IQM and Atos - State of Quantum Research in HPC Centres

Key Takeaways

Only 27% of HPC centres worldwide are already experimenting with quantum computing, adoption of the technology will dramatically accelerate in the next two years. By 2023, 76% of HPC centres worldwide will be using the technology — the majority with an on-premises infrastructure.

By the end of 2023 more than three in four HPC centres worldwide will have already kicked off their quantum computing journey. A fifth of HPC centres will still wait until the next two to five years, while only a minority will not take part in this quantum computing transition.

A three step approach to fully exploit quantum potential

Horizon 1: Gap analysis and quantum solutions development

Horizon 2: Quantum solution design and integration

Horizon 3: Quantum usecase development and implementation

The Innovation Dilemma

HPC centres play a pivotal role in addressing our most challenging problems, but they are now in an “innovation dilemma”.

Is Quantum computing the answer to this innovation dilemma?

• HPC centres play a pivotal role in addressing our most challenging problems, but they are now in an “innovation dilemma” — facing increasing pressure to radically innovate their infrastructure but without a new paradigm to take them to the next level.‍
• Quantum computing could be the answer to this innovation dilemma. Even though quantum computing is still far from being commercially mature, quantum computing providers are on the right trajectory to build quantum computers that can overtake classical high-performance computers in performing certain tasks (“quantum advantage”).
• Quantum computing is not a short-term bet but a long-term strategic move requiring HPC centres to make a full cultural transformation.
• Staying ahead of the competition is a top priority for 52% of HPC centres worldwide.
• IDC suggests that HPC centres put in place a three-step road map for successful quantum computing adoption.
  

This roadmap includes:

1. Gap analysis and quantum solution identification (immediate)
2. Quantum solution design and integration (midterm)
3. Quantum computing use case development and implementation (long term)

Survey methodology

This IDC White Paper is based on the IQM and Atos — State of Quantum Computing in HPC Research Survey conducted by IDC Europe in August 2021. The survey seeks to understand HPC centres’ business and technol- ogy challenges worldwide as well as the attitudes towards quantum computing adoption over the short term:

• 110 HPC centres worldwide completed the questionnaire through computer-assisted telephone interviews (CATI).
• From a regional standpoint, 41% of HPC centres were in the Asia/Pacific region, 32% in North America and 27% in EMEA.
• In terms of size of HPC centres, over two-thirds have 1,000 employees or more. Of these, 25% have 1,000– 2,499 employees, 18% have 2,500–4,999 employees, 16% have 5,000–9,999 employees and 4% have 10,000 employees or more.
• Of the total 110 sample, 67% use the HPC infrastructure internally and 33% provide external organisations with access to their own HPC infrastructure.
• Looking at vertical composition, 26% of HPC centres are part of a governmental body, 33% operate in academia and 35% perform professional services activities such as research or clinical research.‍
• 39% of survey respondents are director level and above (e.g., VP or C-suite).