Open Quantum Institute

The Open Quantum Institute, organized by CERN, is inviting researchers to become a part of the promising future applications for quantum computing.

Quantum computing is an emerging trend nowadays. It uses specialized technology—including computer hardware and algorithms that are able to take advantage of quantum mechanics and able to solve complex problems that classical computers or supercomputers cannot solve, or cannot solve quickly enough. These computers are designed and operated using fundamental concepts of quantum physics such as superposition and entanglement. Entanglement refers to the phenomenon that occurs when two or more quantum systems or particles share a quantum state, even when separated by a large distance. Entanglement allows quantum computers to control and manipulate many qubits in a single operation, instead of manipulating each qubit individually, just like in classical computing. On the other hand, superposition can be demonstrated as the uncertainty of one particle being in multiple states.

A new institute, called the Open Quantum Institute, has opened in Geneva with the intention of investigating the huge potential and emerging power of quantum computers for the common good. The institute is inviting researchers from around the world to identify the most promising applications for the fast-emerging technology. The primary aim of the institute is to provide fast-emerging technology, which will be accessible to all. According to Peter Brabeck-Latmathe, the Chairman of the science and diplomacy platform GESDA that conceived the project “Quantum computing has the potential to change almost everything and is expected to be 1,000 to 10,000 times more powerful than current computing technology.

Quantum computing combines scientific advancements in the subatomic world with information theory, enabling it to solve mathematical problems that are impossible to solve for today’s conventional computers. While traditional computers process information in bits, represented by 0 or 1, quantum computers use qubits, which can be a combination of both at the same time, allowing them to solve more complex problems.

The first commercial quantum computers are estimated to be a decade away and it is expected to be fully developed by around 2050. Open Quantum Institute aims to find applications of the technology that can help to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals. For example, Quantum computing simulations and calculations may help to reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and manage climate change. Additionally, it could also potentially predict patterns of antibiotic resistance and may help researchers to identify more effective chemical compounds that can battle harmful bacteria.

It is important to govern the technology in an open and transparent way and needs to ensure that a few giant tech companies do not control it. To speed up the research for the best applications, GESDA has launched a competition in collaboration with Google and the non-profit tech group XPrize. In the competition, researchers across the globe can submit their proposals, and the best projects will be rewarded with $5 million in prizes at the end of the three-year competition.

This news is a creative derivative product from articles published in famous peer-reviewed journals and Govt reports:

Reference:
1. Preskill, J. (2023). Quantum computing 40 years later. In Feynman Lectures on Computation (pp. 193-244). CRC Press.
2. Insights, C. B. (2019). What is quantum computing. Technical report.
3. Bova, F., Goldfarb, A., & Melko, R. G. (2021). Commercial applications of quantum computing. EPJ quantum technology8(1), 2.
4. Orús, R., Mugel, S., & Lizaso, E. (2019). Quantum computing for finance: Overview and prospects. Reviews in Physics4, 100028.
5. GESDA, (2024). The Open Quantum Institute.Available at: https://oqi.gesda.global/

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