OREANDA-NEWS. Seeking to promote innovative technologies, Vnesheconombank has joined a task force to develop a Russian quantum computer. The announcement was made by Sergey Gorkov, Chairman of Vnesheconombank, at a panel discussion held in the context of the International Conference on Quantum Technologies in Moscow (ICQT-2017). The task force comprises leading experts in quantum technologies from the Russian Quantum Center (RQC), National Research University Higher School of Economics (NRU HSE), National University of Science and Technology MISiS (NUST MISiS), Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT), and Lomonosov Moscow State University.

The computing elements of quantum computers, qubits, are based on quantum objects: ions, ultracold atoms or photons capable of being in superpositions of states allowing quantum computers to perform many computations simultaneously. Quantum computers are capable of solving problems that would take classical computers billions of years. Quantum computers can be feasible for simulating brain activities and behavior of large systems, as well as producing superconductors that can function at room temperature.

"Quantum systems are leading-edge, innovative technologies, and RQC is one of the key market players. During the SPIEF-2017, we signed a cooperation agreement with RQC. In late June, in cooperation with NUST MISiS, we agreed to establish a centre of competence with a focus on the blockchain and quantum technologies. Combining our efforts in the form of the joint task to create a Russian quantum computer appears to be a logical result," pointed out Sergey Gorkov at the ICQT.

Quantum technologies are being developed worldwide, with governments and big corporations such as Google, IBM, Microsoft and Alibaba investing in the creation of a quantum computer.

Organised by the Russian Quantum Center, ICQT has become the world’s largest quantum research platform. The Conference brought together leading scientists and development engineers involved in quantum research: John Martinis, Head of Google Quantum A.I. Lab, Tommaso Calarco, a co-manager of Quantum Flagship, an EU initiative on quantum technologies, and Mikhail Lukin, professor at Harvard University and RQC Co-Founder. Mikhail Lukin’s research group has created and successfully tested a 51-qubit programmable quantum computer outperforming their competitors in the quantum race. Researchers are resolved to continue their experiments with a quantum computer.