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IBM Quantum Credits

IBM Quantum Credits Program: Fuelling Utility-Scale Quantum Research

IBM is expanding its IBM Quantum Credits program and inviting top quantum researchers worldwide to apply for exclusive access to its cutting-edge quantum computing capabilities. Top researchers have free access to IBM quantum computers since 2016. The enhanced IBM Quantum Platform houses important program enhancements that continue this heritage. We aim to accelerate the hunt for high-impact, utility-scale quantum projects by removing financial and other barriers.

A Legacy of Access and Innovation

The IBM Quantum Credits program, formerly the IBM Quantum Researchers Program, was introduced in the summer of 2020 and builds on IBM's 2016 cloud-based quantum processor decision. IBM's commitment to building usable tools has ignited an era of quantum discovery, allowing researchers, scientists, and engineers from around the world to contribute to a quantum advantage. IBM has introduced enterprise-level quantum products to its stack, but it still values open-source principles for quantum computing research and development.

Accessing Cutting-Edge Capabilities

Upgraded Credits program participants can use cutting-edge quantum gear and software. Utility-scale dynamic circuits and the upcoming IBM Quantum Nighthawk processor are major breakthroughs. Compared to its heavy-hex lattice predecessors, the Nighthawk's innovative square lattice architecture is predicted to enhance effective circuit depth by 16x, challenging scientists' limits.

The timing of this improved access is essential as the quantum community approaches quantum advantage. With IBM's quantum systems' faster runtime and coherence times, the gap between quantum advantage and hardware capabilities is decreasing. A historic 2023 quantum utility experiment may now be completed in 80 minutes, 85 times faster than with the first-generation stack.

Researchers are using fractional gates and innovative dynamic decoupling mechanisms to scale quantum computations. New and powerful quantum algorithms like sample-based quantum diagonalisation (SQD) are opening up interesting new application research areas. Participants execute their experiments on a fleet of the most advanced IBM quantum computers, including ones with 127-156 qubits and constantly improving.

Apply for Utility-Scale Research

IBM Quantum Credits emphasises utility-scale research. High-impact, cutting-edge proposals focus on issues larger than 30 qubits. Applicants are judged on their originality, calibre, and ability to investigate real utility-scale challenges that push the limits of traditional approaches, as well as their feasibility, which should be finished in a year and require five to ten hours of computation time. Successful submissions show innovation and scalable quantum approaches, advancing in 5–10 hours of QPU time.

Applicant prerequisites include:

One of the top quantum computing researchers in academia and industry, producing promising results. Permanent or tenure-track academic employment in a research institute.

Lack of IBM Quantum computers outside the Open Plan.

Quantum scientists can apply to physics, chemistry, computer science, engineering, and materials science. IBM delivers strategic papers written with quantum computing experts to inspire research initiatives in optimisation, high-energy physics, materials science, and healthcare.

A global quantum progress program

The IBM Quantum Credits effort has influenced the global quantum community. Over 30,000 quantum computation hours have been awarded, averaging 5–10 hours per project.

Program impact extends beyond immediate participants. This program advances quantum research, as shown by the more than 3,600 citations of IBM Quantum Credits-funded research articles. Interactive working sessions at the IBM Quantum Developer Conference 2024 demonstrate this focus.