Quantum Computing

Quantum’s Night at the Museum – of Science Boston

April 5, 2019 | Written by: Bob Sutor

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For more than 180 years, the Museum of Science Boston has met the needs of society and inspired future generations. One of the world’s largest science centers and New England’s most attended cultural institution, the museum attracts approximately 1.4 million visitors a year through its programs and hands-on exhibits. Museum visitors will soon learn more about the exciting and unusual world of quantum computing.

On Saturday, April 6, the museum will unveil a new temporary exhibit that will allow visitors to look inside a near life-size replica of the IBM Q System One, the world’s first integrated universal quantum computing system. The exhibit will be on display through May 31.

The opening of the exhibit is timed with the 2019 National Quantum Matters™ Science Communication Competition Finals and NanoDays With a Quantum Leap, an all-day event the museum is hosting with the support of the National Science Foundation and the Center for Integrated Quantum Materials. The event is designed to educate the public about nanoscience and the world of quantum technology, science and computing.

I’m giving a talk on quantum programming at the event. My goal is to explain how a quantum computer works, the kinds of problems it may be able to help us solve, and how people can begin to learn elements of quantum computer programming.

Ultimately, I hope attendees will understand that quantum computing isn’t just another emerging technology; it’s a radically different computing paradigm that stands poised to launch a new age of human discovery. While the technology is still in its infancy, the era of Quantum Advantage is on the horizon, when quantum computers may surpass the computational power of classical supercomputers. IBM and the Museum of Science recognize that this path can’t be forged by researchers and quantum physicists alone. What’s needed is a new set of skills for quantum programming and development.

Museums have always been conduits for encouraging curiosity and providing education in new areas of science and technology. With the NanoDays event and new temporary quantum exhibit, the Museum of Science is breaking new ground in introducing visitors to the complexities of quantum science through an experience that is accessible to all levels of expertise. This dovetails perfectly with IBM’s mission to make quantum computers widely useable and accessible through the IBM Q Experience and Qiskit, the open source quantum development kit.

The overall goal of the exhibit is to help build interest and excitement for quantum science that will eventually translate into a quantum-ready workforce. We believe IBM Q System One’s eye-catching design is just what’s needed to spark the interest of attendees and inspire the next generation of quantum experts. There’s something here for everyone, but I especially encourage students and science teachers to visit and start learning about what may be the most import computing technology of the 21st century. You can learn more about the exhibit here.

Bob Sutor

Vice President, IBM Q Strategy & Ecosystem

boston IBM Q museum of science quantum quantum computing

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