Intel Corporation Invests $50 Million In Quantum Computing Research

Intel pledges $50m to tackle barriers in expanding research findings










Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) is loosening its purse strings to increase funding for quantum computing, which is still twelve years from being a finished product. According to a report from Popular Mechanics, the company will provide Qu Tech, a Dutch research group at the Technical University of Delft, with $50 million in funding over 10 years, plus, more staff and equipment to support its efforts.

Quantum computing breeds the possibility of multiple breakthroughs in the chip space, with the possibility of new applications. Quantum units implement quantum bits, or qubits, which operate in parallel, and exist in several states. These computers are expected to replace present ones, which are powered by transistors and binary digits.

QuTech expects the agreement to facilitate the combination of its theoretical work with Intel’s manufacturing expertise, to manufacture quantum computing devices on a massive scale. Intel has chosen to partner with the research unit because of its extensive experience in the segment.

Although Quantum computing has been around for about a dozen years, it has just recently garnered the support of big tech companies. Google has a lab committed to quantum computing, which it operates alongside NASA. Lockheed Martin has bought a D-wave machine, whereas IBM, the current leader in the segment, has invested huge sums in the sector.

Intel's latest move suggests that Moore's law is on the edge, and new generation of computing is a need of the hour. Intel co-founder Gordon Moore first coined the term, which predicted that the number of transistors on a chip would double every two years. The computing industry has benefited from making smaller chips, with a steadily increasing number of transistors shoehorned into them. This has led to faster, smaller and cheaper computers.

Bidness Etc feels there are several practical limitations to overcome before commercial distribution of quantum computers is possible. Cooling concerns and building in larger volumes are just two of these. Its also uncertain as to how likely it is for quantum computing to become a vital component of next generation computing.

If quantum computing were to make it into the mainstream market, the possibility of cyber-attacks would grow exponentially. Machines that powerful could encrypt systems in a matter of seconds, something that would otherwise take years to accomplish. The NSA, in light of that threat, is starting to prepare for a move towards “quantum-resistant algorithms in the not-too-distant future.”

The semiconductor giants’ interest in quantum computing comes amid other projects from Intel’s venture arm, Intel Capital. It is investing in battery boosting technology that will incrementally improve battery life in devices. Given quantum computing would also require high stores of battery, Intel’s investment in Qnovo’s battery optimizing software could serve Intel very well in the future.