IBM launches world’s fastest quantum computer, Heron2

IBM on Wednesday announced the launch of its most advanced quantum computer, IBM Quantum Heron 2 that runs quantum circuits with up to 5,000 two-qubit gate operations, a major mark-up from IBM’s own Quantum Eagle processor that has speeds of up to 2,880 two-qubit gates. 

Revealing this at its first Quantum Developer Conference, IBM said that with hardware and software advancements, Heron 2 can execute complex algorithms at speeds and accuracy not seen before and on record scale.

A utility experiment using quantum processor in 2023 took 112 hours in all while the same experiment using the Heron2 processor took only 2 hours and 20 minutes to complete, IBM pointed out.

IBM Quantum Heron2, which runs of the Qiskit software, is available at IBM's global quantum data centres. The Qiskit software can be used to accurately run specific quantum circuits with up to 5,000 2-qubit gate operations.

IBM is opening these for exploratory use to assess the actual computing strengths of these processors. Users can leverage Qiskit quantum software to expand scope of explorations across a whole range of scientific studies in areas like materials, chemistry, life sciences, high-energy physics, etc, says IBM.

IBM has expanded the performance levels of Qiskit, making it the world's most efficient quantum software, which allows developers to build complex quantum circuits with stability, accuracy, and speed.

Further improvements in IBM Heron and Qiskit can expand the performance level of IBM's quantum computers with new Qiskit services such as generative AI-based capabilities.

IBM has now set a goal of further advancing quantum capabilities and is working with partners on its error-corrected system, expected to be ready by 2029.