Israel has joined a select group of nations that have developed their own quantum supercomputer.
Israeli officials say the computer is now operational and represents a milestone in defense and civilian research. Israel, already known as one of the most high-tech nations, joins the U.S., Canada, Russia, China, Japan and several European nations to have made the leap during the current global race for “quantum supremacy,”
The 20-qubit superconducting computer was developed “in-house’ by the Israel Innovation Authority, Israel Aerospace Industries, the Hebrew University, plus its technology transfer and intellectual property company, Yissum. It’s located in Jerusalem.
Until the last decade true quantum computers were the domain of sci-fi writers and movies. In reality, they really do run on the principles of quantum mechanics, using qubits, which are capable of existing in multiple states simultaneously–a truly remarkable feat. Unlike traditional computers, these do not use bits as zeros or ones.
“Quantum technologies are set to fundamentally elevate human capabilities across a wide range of fields,” said IAE CEO Boaz Levy in a press release. “IAI is proud to lead Israel toward becoming a global quantum power. To win on future battlefields, Israel needs advanced technologies,” he added.
There are dangers with the expanding capabilities of quantum computers. In 2023, NASA temporarily shut down its quantum computer after it provided computational results that were “unexpected,” according to news outlets and tech websites, including. WIRED.
In 2023, Forbes listed the risks that come with computers being that powerful. They include the ability to hack algorithms of blockchains, could render passwords useless, and encrypted technology used for privacy could become useless. These could lead to back actors like a hostile state, using the technology over other nations.
The New York Times reported last year that a “powerful quantum computer could disrupt everything from secure communications to the underpinnings of our financial system.”
As for Israel completing the global technology race, Dror Bin, CEO of IIA, said that the achievement of quantum computing could enhance the computer power available to humanity as a whole.
“This power will have a dramatic impact on science and the global hi-tech industry. Israel, as a world innovation leader, must remain on the cutting edge of these developments. The unveiling of Israel’s first quantum computer is an important milestone,” Bin told JNS.org.
–Dwight Widaman