Intelligent CIO North America Issue 55 | Page 62

CASE STUDY

SoftBank and Quantinuum have agreed to a wide-ranging partnership in quantum computing .

By combining their respective strengths , both companies will unlock innovative quantum computing solutions that will overcome the limitations of classical AI and realize next-generation technologies .
Moreover , the hybrid approach that combines Central Processing Units ( CPUs ), Graphics Processing Units ( GPUs ) and Quantum Processing Units ( QPUs ) holds the potential to further extend the capabilities of AI . By leveraging the unique strengths of each type of processing unit , hybrid systems can execute more advanced and diverse computations , providing innovative solutions that surpass traditional limitations .
This unique initiative coincides with the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology ( IYQ ) in 2025 and it is expected to ignite new business opportunities through the dynamic fusion of AI and quantum computing .
The Necessity of Quantum Computing Beyond the Limits of AI
AI is delivering impressive results across various domains but it is widely recognized that there are still significant challenges that AI alone is struggling to overcome . Complex optimization problems , deciphering causal relationship analysis , and conducting high-precision simulations based on fundamental equations remain formidable obstacles for current AI technologies .
SoftBank and Quantinuum believe in the power of quantum computing and are committed to exploring its transformative potential .
Current State and Challenges of Quantum Computing
Despite impressive growth in the quantum computing sector , several technical and business challenges need to be addressed to advance the state-of-theart so that quantum computers are used to solve practical problems .
1 . Building a Business Model
• Initial Investment and Operational Costs : The substantial initial investment and operational costs required for the development and deployment of quantum computers lack concrete cost recovery strategies , which in turn suppresses the drive for companies to develop and adopt the technology .
• Clarification of Revenue Models : The business models for generating revenue , including the methods of offering quantum computers and setting usage fees , have not yet been fully realized .
2 . Establishing Specific Use Cases
• Discovering Use Cases : There is a shortage of use cases that clearly demonstrate which fields quantum computers will be useful in . Understanding the market size and revenue models through clear examples , especially in areas such as quantum chemical calculations and machine learning , is necessary .
• Understanding the Market and Revenue Predictions : It is crucial to specifically identify the areas where computations can only be performed by quantum computers and are commercially viable , as well as to predict the timing and scale of these applications .
3 . Advancing Hardware and Software Technologies
• Limitations and Challenges of Hardware : The current hardware performance ( number of qubits and operation precision ) of quantum computers
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