Nvidia is set to establish a quantum computing research lab in Boston, where it will collaborate with scientists from Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, according to CEO Jensen Huang. The announcement was made during Nvidia’s annual software developer conference in San Jose, California, which featured a day of activities centered around quantum computing. This initiative comes after Huang previously stated that practical quantum computers are still two decades away, a position he revisited during the conference while sharing the stage with executives from quantum computing companies. Huang humorously acknowledged his earlier remarks, stating, “This is the first event in history where a company CEO invites all of the guests to explain why he was wrong.”
The new research center, named the Nvidia Accelerated Quantum Research Center (NVAQC), will collaborate with quantum technology firms like Quantinuum, Quantum Machines, and QuEra Computing. Operations are expected to commence later this year. During the conference, discussions took place between Huang and representatives from various companies, some of which are looking to capitalize on quantum technology advancements even before surpassing conventional computing capabilities.
Matt Kinsella, CEO of Infleqtion, highlighted that their company can already offer superior computing clocks to synchronize multiple traditional computing chips. He emphasized their strategy of monetizing areas where they have a quantum advantage today. The quantum executives acknowledged that, while quantum machines may excel at specific tasks like atomic interactions, they will not entirely replace traditional computers. Peter Chapman, CEO of IonQ, mentioned that their company uses Nvidia’s GPUs to design their chips and envisioned a future where classical and quantum systems complement each other rather than compete. He jokingly concluded, “I wouldn’t short any Nvidia stock at the end of this.”
