IBM and AMD partner to build the future of computing

IBM and AMD have announced a major collaboration to develop "quantum-centric supercomputing," a new computing architecture that merges the power of quantum computers with high-performance computing (HPC) and artificial intelligence (AI). The partnership aims to solve some of the world's most complex problems by combining IBM’s quantum systems and software with AMD’s leadership in CPUs, GPUs, and AI accelerators.

The two companies will focus on creating scalable, open-source platforms that allow quantum and classical computing to work together in a hybrid model.

In this approach, different parts of a problem would be assigned to the system best suited to handle them. For example, a quantum computer could simulate the behavior of atoms for new drug discovery, while an AI-driven supercomputer handles the massive data analysis required for clinical trials.

The hybrid approach and key goals

This partnership is rooted in a shared belief that the most immediate and impactful breakthroughs will come from integrating these technologies, rather than relying on either one alone.

• Quantum-centric supercomputing: The core of the collaboration is to build systems where quantum computers work in tandem with traditional supercomputers. The goal is to tackle problems that are currently beyond the reach of either technology on its own. An initial demonstration of this hybrid workflow is expected later this year.

• Accelerating quantum development: AMD's hardware could also be a critical part of IBM's long-term quantum strategy. The companies are exploring how AMD's chips could provide real-time error correction, a vital step toward building a "fault-tolerant" quantum computer by the end of the decade.

• Open-source ecosystem: The collaboration will also leverage open-source platforms like IBM’s Qiskit to encourage developers and researchers to create new algorithms for this hybrid architecture.

By joining forces, IBM and AMD are positioning themselves at the forefront of the next wave of computing innovation. The partnership brings together IBM's decades of experience in quantum computing with AMD's powerful presence in the high-performance computing market, which includes powering some of the world's fastest supercomputers.