Highlights from the IBM Quantum Developer Conference 2024

The IBM Quantum Developer Conference 2024, held from November 13-15 at the IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center in Yorktown Heights, New York, marks a transformative moment for the quantum computing community. This landmark event brings together developers, researchers, and visionaries to explore cutting-edge advancements in quantum technology and chart the path toward quantum utility.

IBM’s focus this year was clear: pushing the boundaries of quantum hardware and software to empower developers to tackle increasingly complex problems. From unveiling the IBM Heron R2 Processor to launching next-generation Qiskit services, the conference highlighted breakthroughs that make quantum systems more accessible and impactful.

Expanding the Horizon of Quantum Utility

IBM’s flagship announcement centered around its Heron R2 Processor, described as "the company’s most performant quantum processor to date." With the capability to execute quantum circuits featuring up to 5,000 two-qubit gate operations, Heron represents a leap in scale, speed, and accuracy. This achievement aligns with IBM’s broader Quantum Development Roadmap, advancing quantum computing toward fault-tolerant systems by 2029.

“This milestone redefines what’s possible with quantum systems today,” remarked Jay Gambetta, Vice President of IBM Quantum. “As we advance on our roadmap towards error-corrected quantum systems, the algorithms discovered today across industries will be key to realising the potential to solve new problems realised through the convergence of QPUs, CPUs, and GPUs”.

The Qiskit Revolution: More Than Software

The Qiskit software stack took center stage as a key enabler of utility-scale workloads. New tools such as the Qiskit Transpiler Service and the Qiskit Code Assistant, powered by generative AI, simplify how developers build and optimise quantum circuits. These advancements, combined with the Qiskit Functions Catalog, allow seamless integration of partner services, including error mitigation from Algorithmiq and circuit optimisation from Qedma.

“Qiskit’s performance is unmatched,” said Matteo Rossi, CTO of Algorithmiq. “With TEM [tensor error network mitigation], we’re able to tackle circuits with up to 5,000 entangled gates, expanding what’s possible in quantum simulations and computations constrained by noise limitations”.

Real-World Impact Through Collaboration

The conference also emphasised the practical applications of quantum technology across industries. Collaborative projects with organisations like RIKEN and Cleveland Clinic showcased how quantum systems are being used to address challenges in materials science, drug discovery, and healthcare. RIKEN, for instance, is working on a hybrid quantum-classical platform, integrating their Fugaku supercomputer with IBM’s Quantum System Two to explore quantum-centric supercomputing.

“By leveraging IBM’s advanced quantum algorithms, we’re breaking new ground in modeling complex chemical systems,” noted Dr. Kennie Merz, a quantum molecular scientist at Cleveland Clinic.

The Path to Quantum-Centric Supercomputing

IBM’s vision for the future lies in quantum-centric supercomputing—an architecture that tightly integrates quantum processors (QPUs) with classical CPUs and GPUs. Institutions like Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) are already taking steps toward this goal by connecting workloads across their classical supercomputer and Quantum System One, creating a cohesive computational environment.

Looking Ahead

The IBM Quantum Developer Conference 2024 underscored the rapid progress being made in quantum computing and IBM's commitment to democratising access to this transformative technology. As IBM continues to refine its roadmap, the breakthroughs presented at this event are setting the stage for quantum utility across industries .

For those unable to attend, recordings and materials from the conference will soon be available, ensuring that the insights shared reach the global quantum community. This year’s conference was not just a showcase of innovation—it was a glimpse into a future shaped by the collaboration of quantum and classical computing.