IBM, AMD Partner to Develop Next-Generation Computing Architecture

By Connor Hart

International Business Machines and Advanced Micro Devices are partnering to develop quantum-centric supercomputing, a next-generation architecture that combines quantum and high-performance computing.

The collaboration will leverage IBM's know-how in quantum computing and AMD's abilities in high-performance computing and artificial intelligence. The companies aim to develop "scalable, open-source platforms that could redefine the future of computing," they said Tuesday.

In the partnership, the companies will explore the integration of AMD's chips with IBM's quantum computers, creating a hybrid computing model that is faster and more powerful than current-day supercomputers. Teams are planning an initial demonstration of the technology for an unspecified date later this year.

Quantum computers store information as quantum bits, also known as qubits. While classical computers use bits that can only be either a zero or one, quantum computers' qubits represent information according to the quantum mechanical laws of nature.

"These properties enable a much richer computational space to explore solutions to complex problems beyond the reach of classical computing alone," the companies said.

In the quantum-centric supercomputing architecture, quantum computers will work in tandem with powerful high-performance computing and AI infrastructures. This ability would allow the technologies to tackle real-world problems at unprecedented speed and scale, according to IBM and AMD.

"By exploring how quantum computers from IBM and the advanced high-performance compute technologies of AMD can work together, we will build a powerful hybrid model that pushes past the limits of traditional computing," IBM Chief Executive Arvind Krishna said.

AMD Chief Executive Lisa Su added that the partnership offers "tremendous opportunities to accelerate discovery and innovation."

Write to Connor Hart at connor.hart@wsj.com