As IBM Shows Quantum Computing Prowess, What’s Taiwan’s Edge?｜Industry｜2026-05-21｜web only - 天下雜誌

As IBM Shows Quantum Computing Prowess, What’s Taiwan’s Edge? Source：Meng-hsuan Yang IBM owns 91 quantum computers and serves over 300 clients, making it the world's largest quantum computing ecosystem. CEO Krishna has guaranteed that "quantum advantage" — the moment quantum computers surpass traditional computers in both accuracy and cost — will be achieved by the end of this year. Which two Taiwanese components did the CTO single out as having an opportunity? Views 99+ As IBM Shows Quantum Computing Prowess, What’s Taiwan’s Edge? By Meng-hsuan Yang web only 2026-05-21 前往中文版 調整字體尺寸 The most eye-catching exhibit at IBM Think 2026 in early May was not an AI server, but three gold-colored cylindrical structures with a distinctly steampunk aesthetic. The machines were IBM’s latest quantum computing system, Quantum System Two. Quantum computing is beginning to move into commercial use. At the conference, IBM CEO Arvind Krishna announced that IBM, Japan’s RIKEN, and the Cleveland Clinic had successfully used quantum computing and supercomputers to simulate a protein complex containing as many as 12,635 atoms. Just a year and a half ago, the number of atoms that could be simulated was only 10. IBM said this is currently the largest biologically meaningful molecular simulation performed using quantum computing, raising the possibility of significantly shortening future drug development timelines. Krishna also predicted that the industry would reach a “quantum advantage” milestone by the end of this year — the point at which quantum computers can perform certain calculations more accurately or efficiently than conventional computers. More than 300 customers worldwide are already using IBM’s quantum computing services. Boeing uses the technology to simulate corrosion in aerospace materials, HSBC applies it to bond trading optimization, and Moderna uses it for mRNA modeling. Jay Gambetta, head of IBM Research. (Photo: Meng-hsuan Yang) Jay Gambetta, head of IBM Research, said IBM currently operates the world’s largest quantum computing ecosystem. According to IBM’s director of strategic growth and quantum partnerships, the company now has more than 90 quantum computing systems deployed globally across the United States, Japan, Spain, and Germany, with India currently under construction. Seven of those systems are installed directly at customer sites, including the University of Tokyo, Cleveland Clinic, RIKEN, and Yonsei University. IBM is not selling quantum computers outright. Instead, the company dispatches technical teams to build systems on-site and conduct joint research with customers. Clients purchase 10-year quantum computing service contracts, after which IBM retrieves the systems. As quantum technology gains momentum, a growing question has emerged: Will quantum computing replace AI? Gambetta’s answer was straightforward: “Quantum will not replace AI. They will work together.” Under IBM’s roadmap, future data centers will integrate CPUs, GPUs, and quantum computers. When users submit tasks from laptops or other devices, each computing architecture will handle the problems it is best suited to solve. The industry is still pursuing multiple technical approaches to quantum computing. IBM and Google are focused on superconducting systems, while IonQ and Foxconn are investing in trapped-ion technology. Startups QuEra and Pasqal are developing neutral-atom systems. IBM chose the superconducting route because it can leverage mature semiconductor manufacturing processes. Gambetta noted that IBM produces quantum chips using existing 300mm wafer fabs, avoiding the need to build entirely new manufacturing infrastructure. That has drawn attention from Taiwan’s semiconductor supply chain. In IBM's roadmap, quantum computers will work alongside CPUs and GPUs in data centers as collaborative partners. (Photo: Meng-hsuan Yang) In late April, Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs established a Quantum Industry Technology Promotion Office aimed at attracting international quantum computing companies to establish R&D centers in Taiwan. Industrial Technology Research Institute is already working with U.S. firms SEEQC and Rigetti on quantum chips and cryogenic modules. Still, Petra Florizoone, IBM’s global head of quantum business, said the company continues to design and manufacture its quantum chips internally. “This is our most valuable IP,” she said. Quantum computers also do not require mass production on the scale of AI servers. IBM quantum algorithm executive Borja Peropadre said IBM currently produces quantum chips roughly once per week, which is sufficient to support its global systems. Taiwan may still have opportunities to participate. Jerry Chow, IBM’s director of quantum infrastructure, said the company is seeking supply chain partners globally and is paying close attention to Taiwan, particularly for components such as cables and connectors. A senior executive at a Taiwanese electronics manufacturer also noted that because quantum computers are subject to U.S. export controls, system assembly currently must take place in the United States. That makes component supply a more realistic entry point for Taiwanese firms. In 2019, IBM and National Taiwan University established a quantum computing center that allows researchers to apply for access to IBM’s quantum computing power. As IBM plans to introduce the world’s first large-scale fault-tolerant quantum computer by 2029, quantum computing is gradually moving from the laboratory toward commercial deployment — and Taiwan’s supply chain is beginning to look for its place in the emerging industry. Have you read? Taiwan’s Industrial Suppliers Behind Their Indispensable Role in AI Infrastructure Why Phison’s Pua Thinks the Future of AI Depends on Cheaper Memory How Has Taiwan Metalworker King Slide Pivoted to Leading in AI Server Rails? Uploaded by Ian Huang Keywords： IBM owns 91 quantum computers and serves over 300 clients making it the world's largest quantum computing ecosystem. CEO Krishna has guaranteed that "quantum advantage" — the moment quantum computers surpass traditional computers in both accuracy and cost — will be achieved by the end of this year. Which two Taiwanese components did the CTO single out as having an opportunity? 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