IBM, Google Give $150 Million for US-Japan Quantum-Computing Push

IBM and Google are giving $150 million for quantum-computing research at the University of Chicago and the University of Tokyo as the U.S. and Japan try to stay ahead of a fast-rising China. From a report: Quantum computers are a hot area of research because they could help solve problems that classical computers alone can't, such as modeling how a drug molecule interacts with the body's proteins or how batteries work at an atomic scale. China has invested heavily in quantum computing, which also has possible military applications in cryptology and materials for weapons. U.S. researchers said Chinese laboratories have shown progress recently -- often touted in state media -- and are competitive in some areas. However, quantum-computing specialists say more basic study is needed before anyone can be sure the technology delivers real-world benefits.

The U.S.-Japan partnership is an example of how scientific research with implications for security and economic growth is increasingly split between China and a U.S.-led camp that includes allies such as Japan and Western European nations. "We have to count on our allies more for primary research," said Rahm Emanuel, the U.S. ambassador to Japan. Until recently, he said, the U.S. was too lax in allowing Chinese students to work at American universities in advanced scientific fields. "We were funding them. We were not only funding them, we were training them, educating them to come back and compete against us," he said.

Waste of money

[gweihir]

That tech is not going anywhere. The dog-slow progress over the last 40 years should make that amply clear. The rather strong indication that this does not and cannot scale as well.

Re:

[Anonymous Coward]

Daily reminder that user gweihir is on a personal crusade against quantum computing (actually, any new, non-boomer thing), spreading FUD and misinformation from their basement despite having never provided a hint of... like.. having a clue of what they're talking about. I seriously don't know how these posts get upvoted, I guess there's a clique of similar users who mod up each other.

Understanding Quantum Computing.

[leets]

Quantum Computing says that there are four possible states for a bit.
But logically, any event in the universe has infinite possibilities, not two or four.
It looks like there has not been any significant discovery in physics after Einstein and Schrodinger.
Those of the 21st century should have challenged their work.
But that would mean people should have time to think about nature and the universe instead of just passively consuming social(or regular) media.

It will be interesting

[terrybech]

Despite my skepticism, I will watch their progress with interest. It will take years to realize the full potential of quantum technology. As a mathematics student engaged in an educational project on this topic, I am impatient to know what will happen next. As part of this project, we are developing our own concept of a quantum machine, and it is worth admitting that this requires considerable time and effort. Fortunately, we have found this resource https://edubirdie.com/college-... [edubirdie.com] which helps us with stu

Hmmmm

[Vlee999]

The domain of quantum computing is indeed one that holds a great deal of promise and intrigue, owing to its potential for tackling complex problems and computations that are far beyond the reach of traditional computers. The strides that China is making in this field, both from a research standpoint and with the touted progress in its laboratories, is notable. The collaboration between the U.S. and Japan signifies the growing importance of international partnerships in scientific research, especially in ar