IBM and Pasqal Expand Quantum-Centric Supercomputing Initiative

IBM and Pasqal announced an update to their intended collaboration to build new, integrated frameworks for quantum-centric supercomputing with Qiskit. The two companies will soon begin developing a unified programming model to facilitate seamless interoperability across different types of quantum computing hardware.

This integrated architecture will work across IBM’s next-generation and utility-scale quantum computers, Pasqal’s neutral atom-based quantum devices, and classical high-performance computing (HPC) resources such as CPUs and GPUs. It will aim to accelerate the usability and performance of complex and hybrid HPC workflows, which will include quantum computers as a key pillar, by allowing users to select the best-fitting hardware for each task in a single, cohesive framework.

The goal of this model for the quantum and HPC communities is to enable effective collaboration between HPC centers and quantum hardware providers with advanced quantum software, fostering market adoption for quantum technologies. As a first step in this journey, Pasqal will soon provide users of the open-source Qiskit SDK access to their neutral atom quantum hardware. As a result, it will soon be possible for Qiskit SDK users to program Pasqal’s analog neutral-atom QPUs, providing users the flexibility to access and utilize either IBM’s or Pasqal's hardware.

In line with Pasqal’s and IBM’s commitment to open-source principles, the unified programming model will begin with Pasqal providing Qiskit users access to their devices. This will ensure accessibility for developers, researchers, and organizations interested in exploring and advancing quantum applications in HPC settings.