"NVIDIA expects realistic solutions for quantum computing in the coming years.. Huang: "We are on the verge of a transformative moment""

Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, expressed optimism about the future of quantum computing, affirming that this technology will soon be able to address real-world problems in various fields.

This came during his keynote speech at the GTC Paris developers conference on Wednesday, June 11, where he stated, "Quantum computing is approaching a turning point."

What is Quantum Computing?

Quantum computers rely on quantum mechanics principles to solve complex problems beyond the capabilities of traditional computers. While conventional computers store data in bits (0 or 1), quantum computers use qubits, which can be zero, one, or in a quantum state between them, allowing for processing vast amounts of data at super-fast speeds. This technology has the potential to revolutionize fields like medicine, science, and finance.

Investment Boom and Stock Surge

Quantum computing companies have seen significant growth recently, with investors showing interest in stocks like Rigetti Computing and IonQ, which recently acquired Oxford Ionics for $1.1 billion. The stocks of both companies rose by 4.5% and 3.7% respectively in pre-market trading in the United States.

Huang also praised the "large community" of quantum computing companies in Europe, mentioning his meeting with representatives from the French startup "Pasqal" on Tuesday evening.

Nvidia's Hybrid Solution and Changing Expectations

Huang discussed the CUDA Q platform, the hybrid solution combining quantum and classical computing, saying, "We are on the verge of using quantum computers in areas that can solve some of the most challenging problems in the coming years." He added, "We are living in an extremely exciting moment."

This statement marks a shift in Huang's stance, who had previously indicated that achieving practically useful quantum computers could take 20 years, describing predictions of 15 years as "premature."

His previous remarks had caused a decline in the stocks of several quantum companies, including Rigetti, IonQ, and D-Wave Quantum, before clarifying later that his comments were "misunderstood," expressing his surprise at their significant market impact.

Global Interest on the Rise

Huang is not the only one noticing the growing interest in quantum computing. Google unveiled its new quantum chip "Bristlecone" last year, describing it as a "major breakthrough" in error correction techniques aimed at protecting quantum information from damage.

The race towards harnessing quantum computing to solve real-world problems seems to have entered a new phase, with expectations of significant breakthroughs in the near future.