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Quantum Computing News: Amazon's $36.7 Million IonQ Stake, Alice & Bob's 53-Qubit Breakthrough, Japan's Fully Domestic Debut
Welcome to this week's overview of everything that is quantum computing. Today, we track steps that move work from the lab to real use. First, we see lean state prep, then a new stake from Amazon (AMZN), and next, fresh build news in Japan and the UAE. For stock watch, also keep an eye on IonQ (IONQ) and Honeywell (HON), as each moves toward steady scale.
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Alice & Bob and Inria Cut Magic State Costs with New Method
We begin our weekly journey with Alice & Bob, a France-based quantum computing firm, and Inria, France's national institute for digital science. The two entities have reported a significant step in making quantum systems more efficient. Their joint team has developed a way to prepare 'magic states' using fewer qubits and less time. Magic states are a key ingredient for running advanced quantum algorithms.
The work uses 'cat qubits,' a type of superconducting qubit designed to resist certain kinds of errors. The researchers adapted a three-dimensional code into a simpler two-dimensional layout, which they call the 'Heart Code.' This design needs only 53 qubits to prepare a single magic state, an 8.7% drop compared with top competing methods. It also cuts the number of error correction cycles, making the process about five times faster while keeping the error rate below one in a million.
Importantly, the new method fits into Alice & Bob's current hardware, so it does not require new equipment. The result follows earlier work from the company that showed cat qubits could reduce hardware needs for large-scale quantum computers by up to 200 times.
Amazon Discloses Stake in IonQ
Amazon (AMZN) has revealed a $36.7 million stake in IonQ (IONQ) in its latest SEC filing. The position makes Amazon one of the largest known tech investors in a public quantum hardware company. IonQ builds quantum computers using trapped-ion technology, which offers strong connectivity between qubits.
The investment adds to Amazon's broader quantum push through AWS and its Braket service. IonQ's systems are already available to AWS customers. The disclosure has raised expectations that more cloud providers could compete for access to future quantum infrastructure. IonQ shares rose about 7% after the news.
Playground Global Backs Quantum Use Cases
At Deep Tech Week San Francisco, during the Playground Next-Gen Compute event, three seniors from PsiQuantum, Ideon Technologies, and NVision, all part of Playground Global's portfolio, outlined how they are applying quantum technology to practical problems. PsiQuantum, one of the most promising private quantum companies out there, with strong backers such as BlackRock (BLK), is developing a photonic quantum computer that will need at least one million qubits to tackle major tasks in chemistry and materials science. Ideon Technologies uses quantum sensors to scan the Earth's subsurface for critical minerals, while NVision applies quantum techniques to boost MRI scans for early cancer detection.
While their focus areas differ, all three aim to solve real-world challenges with quantum tools.
Japan Debuts Fully Domestic Quantum Computer
Now let's move on to Asia, as Japan continues to push for self-reliant quantum technology. It has launched a superconducting quantum computer built entirely with domestic components and software at Osaka University's QIQB. The system uses an open-source software stack called OQTOPUS. It will be on display for visitors to Expo 2025, where people can run simple quantum programs through a public interface.
The project involved multiple Japanese companies and research bodies, replacing imported hardware with local alternatives. It reflects Japan's push for self-reliance in advanced computing systems.
Quantinuum Partners with the UAE's Technology Innovation Institute
Quantinuum, backed by Honeywell (HON), has signed a deal with Abu Dhabi's Technology Innovation Institute to advance quantum research and applications in the UAE. The institute will gain access to Quantinuum's high-fidelity systems, including the upcoming Helios platform.
The partnership will focus on materials science, data encoding, and optimization. It will also train researchers to build algorithms, supporting the UAE's goal of becoming a global quantum hub.
We used the TipRanks' Comparison Tool to line up some of the top quantum stocks with a few names mentioned in this piece. It's an easy way to see how they compare and get a feel for where the space might be going.
