Quantum Computing Digest — Q2 2018

The second quarter of 2018 saw quantum computing gain broader institutional momentum as governments, corporations, and startups moved from exploratory research toward structured investment and infrastructure. Hardware providers refined error-correction strategies while post-quantum cryptography standardization advanced. Although scalable, fault-tolerant systems remained on the horizon. The quarter’s policy signals, funding commitments, and early commercial platforms indicated quantum technologies were entering a phase of deliberate preparation for deployment.

Hardware and Error-Correction Strategies Mature

Google outlined its surface-code approach to quantum error correction, emphasizing systematic reduction of logical qubit errors as the path to utility-scale machines. Intel deepened its investment in silicon spin qubits and opened dedicated research facilities, while Fujitsu introduced a digital annealing unit designed to bridge classical and quantum optimization problems. Researchers also demonstrated new control techniques, including electron orbital manipulation in diamonds and coherent coupling of quantum dots, strengthening the foundation for more stable and manufacturable hardware platforms.

Post-Quantum Cryptography Gains Urgency and Structure

NIST hosted its first PQC standardization conference, bringing together cryptographers to evaluate candidate algorithms resistant to quantum attacks. Industry responses accelerated: Microsoft released PQCrypto-VPN tools for immediate migration testing, and discussions of “crypto agility” became mainstream as enterprises recognized the need for future-proof encryption. Warnings about the long-term vulnerability of current standards, coupled with proposals for quantum random-number generators and secure key distribution, highlighted the increasing need for proactive security transitions.

National Initiatives and Funding Commitments Solidify

The United States signaled strong policy support when congressional leaders announced intent to introduce the National Quantum Initiative Act and formed a federal subcommittee on quantum information science. Significant philanthropic and institutional investments followed, including a $50 million gift to establish the Helen Diller Quantum Center at Technion and Yale’s receipt of a $16 million grant. These moves, alongside international partnerships in Australia, France, and Canada, positioned quantum technology as a national priority comparable to earlier computing and space races.

Quantum Networking and Communication Reach New Milestones

Quantum Xchange launched the first quantum fiber network in the United States, offering quantum-key distribution over existing infrastructure. Researchers achieved quantum teleportation underwater for the first time and advanced repeater designs essential for long-distance entanglement. Satellite-based experiments and proposals for space-to-ground links further expanded the vision of a global quantum internet.  As commercial interest in secure, unhackable communication channels continued to expand, it gained significant traction within the defense and financial sectors.

Software Ecosystems and Commercial Platforms Emerge

New developer-focused platforms appeared rapidly: Strangeworks raised $4 million to build quantum software tools, Rigetti was readying its Quantum Cloud Services, and OpenFermion expanded open-source capabilities for quantum chemistry simulations. IBM enhanced Qiskit with domain-specific libraries, while Microsoft integrated quantum tools into MRI research workflows. These offerings lowered barriers for algorithm development and began a quantum software marketplace.

In the second quarter of 2018, the quantum computing field reached a distinct turning point. Policy frameworks began to solidify, significant funding was becoming available, and the first commercial services emerged. Together, these developments boosted institutional support and laid a more solid technical foundation for future progress. Strategic preparedness—encompassing security measures, workforce training, and supporting infrastructure—further solidified which nations and organizations would lead quantum computing.