Quantum computing has created a sensation in today’s world. It seems that it will change computing drastically. So, different companies, including many heavyweights are in this race to develop multipurpose quantum computers. Here we enlist the top 10 quantum computer companies with an attempt to take us closer to worldwide access to quantum computers.
Top 10 Companies developing quantum computers
1. International Business Machine (IBM)
Introduction: IBM is a leading manufacturer of computational machines with headquarter located in New York. It has manufactured more quantum computers till now than any other companies and is a pioneer of quantum computing. It is affiliated with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which has further accelerated its effort to introduce commercial quantum computers. IBM has assured that it’s quantum computer will go online for solving challenging problems which are nearly impossible for classical computers soon.
Recent works: IBM has developed a commercial quantum computer called IBM Q System one which uses a 20 qubit processor. It has also developed a 50 qubit processor. Also, you can write your own program in Qiskit, a superconducting quantum processor here.
2. Google LLC
Introduction: Google LLC is an American multinational company. It excels in sectors such as online advertisements, search engines, cloud computing, AI, etc. Recently, it has claimed quantum supremacy. This claim suggests that it is leading the race of developing quantum computers that can solve generic problems. Though IBM has objected to the claim and provided an explanation, Google is still one of the leading developers of quantum computers.
Recent works: Google LLC has developed a quantum computer working on a 53 qubit processor called sycamore. Also, it has developed a 72-bit qubit processor called bristlecone. Further, it is working on the development of AI-based on quantum computers to empower machine learning and problem-solving.
3. D – wave
Introduction : D – wave is the world’s leading supplier of quantum computers which use quantum annealing processors. It is located at Burnaby, Canada. Starting from 1999, it has manufactured and supplied several quantum computers based on quantum annealing processors. Its main focus is on solving the problems of optimization.
Recent works : D – wave systems has already released a computer with 2000 qubit quantum annealing processor in the market called D – wave 2000Q. Though not as good as quantum processors, D – wave systems has been used by Google, NASA Ames, Volkswagen, etc.
4. Intel
Introduction: Intel is a technology giant and second-largest manufacturer of processor chips after Samsung headquartered at Silicon Valley, USA. Most of the PCs are powered by processors developed by it. So, it was mandatory for it to invest in quantum computing. Collaborating with Delft University-based company QuTech, it is attempting to push quantum computing further.
Recent works: Intel has already developed a 49 qubit test chip named Tangle lake and is also working on a silicon-based spin qubit processor.
5. IonQ
Introduction : IonQ is a Maryland based quantum computer manufacturer working on trapped ion quantum computing. It is co-founded by professors of the University of Maryland and Duke University. It started its journey from 2015 and is leading trapped ion technology.
Recent works : It has developed the first commercial trapped ion quantum computer with 11 fully connected and 55 addressable qubits.
6. Alibaba Cloud (Aliyun)
Introduction : Alibaba Cloud and Chinese Academy of Science (CAS) have jointly invested in quantum technological research by the establishment of Alibaba Quantum Laboratory (AQL). They are leading the race of quantum computers in China. Their areas of research include the development of quantum systems, quantum algorithms, and quantum processors.
Recent works: Alibaba Cloud and CAS have jointly launched 11 qubit cloud-based computing system. Furthermore, they have tested quantum simulations and published performance-based papers on arXiv:1805.01450, arXiv:1907.11217 and arXiv:1909.02559.
7. Microsoft (Azure Quantum)
Introduction : Microsoft is a multinational technology company with its headquarters at Washington. As one of the techno – giant, it is also working on developing quantum software and hardware on Azure quantum.
Recent works: Microsoft has introduced an open-source quantum toolkit having the necessary tools for developing quantum solutions. The programs can be executed on 32 or 40 qubit simulators. It has also partnered with Honeywell to develop high fidelity quantum computers.
8. Alpine Quantum Technologies(AQT)
Introduction: AQT is a Austrian company working on quantum computers. Affiliated to the pioneer of trapped ion technology, University of Innsbruck, Austria, it is one of the leading quantum computer manufacturers using ion trapped technology.
Recent works : It has manufactured ion trapped quantum computer. Now, it is working with IBM to enhance the performance of Qiskit by the use of ion trapped technology.
9. Rigetti
Introduction : Rigetti is a company based on California working on the development of quantum processors and computers. Ranked among top 30 smart companies by MIT, it already has 50 U.S patents. It has developed quantum processors and also introduced a quantum programming platform called forest.
Recent works: It provides quantum and classical cloud service in a single platform. Also, it has enabled programmers to write quantum programs using Python. Its 16 qubit processor 16Q Aspen – 4 is now online.
10. Raytheon
Introduction: Raytheon is a US company specialized in manufacturing weapons and commercial electronics. It has focused on quantum computing due to its advantages in defense systems. The key area of its focus is quantum algorithms, quantum materials, and quantum computing.
Recent Works: Raytheon is recently working on the development of microwave-controlled superconducting qubits.
