Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, delivers a keynote speech ahead of the opening of CES 2025 on Dec. 6 (local time). CEO Huang introduces the GeForce RTX 50 series graphics processing unit (GPU) equipped with the latest artificial intelligence (AI) accelerator, Blackwell. Recently, the combined 'hybrid quantum computer' of classical and quantum computers has gained attention in the quantum computing industry./Courtesy of News1

Jensen Huang, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NVIDIA, predicted that it would take more than 20 years to commercialize quantum computers, causing global quantum computer-related stocks to plummet. The 20 years suggested by CEO Huang is much later than the 5 to 10 years that scientific and technological circles have anticipated for the commercialization of quantum computers.

Although Jensen Huang made a conservative outlook on quantum computers, NVIDIA is actually accelerating its efforts to secure talent in the field of quantum computing. As of the 14th, NVIDIA has posted 9 job openings for professionals in quantum computing. They are looking for experts in quantum hardware and software design, as well as in quantum error correction and applications. These individuals are expected to be involved in the research of the 'HYBE quantum computer' that NVIDIA is pursuing.

A hybrid quantum computer refers to a combination of classical computers and quantum computers, with the expectation that quantum computers will ultimately outperform classical computers in certain computations. However, the number of 'qubits' needed for computations is not sufficient, and the fundamental issue of 'quantum error' has not yet been overcome. The quantum technology industry is focusing on hybrid quantum computer technology that combines the stability of classical computers to surpass these limitations.

The operating methods of hybrid quantum computers are diverse. A typical method involves classical computers handling quantum control, analyzing operational results, and post-processing, while quantum computers perform complex calculations. Hybrid quantum computers are expected to provide superior computational results in logistics, traffic routing, drug material development, and finance compared to supercomputers. Recently, research is also underway on 'quantum-classical reinforcement learning' technologies that apply quantum computing to artificial intelligence (AI).

Jeong Yoon-chae, head of the Korea-U.S. Quantum Technology Cooperation Center, noted, “Supercomputer corporations are considering the introduction of quantum computers or have already begun pilot projects,” adding, “NVIDIA is emerging as a key corporation supplying software for this.”

NVIDIA is developing a compiler called 'nvq++' that enhances compatibility between classical and quantum computers. This is a type of development tool that connects the two technologies using 'quantum intermediate representation (QIR)' which allows classical and quantum computers to communicate. Additionally, various technologies are being developed for supercomputers, such as graphic processing units (GPUs) for hybrid quantum computers and tools for quantum computer development.

Recently, NVIDIA hired a 'climate and weather product management leader' requiring the ability to utilize quantum computers immediately. This is interpreted as a strategy to integrate quantum computers with NVIDIA's climate model 'Earth-2' to enhance accuracy.

NVIDIA is not the only corporation focusing on hybrid quantum computers. Quantum computer company IonQ, whose stock dropped by over 30% following CEO Huang's remarks, is already collaborating with NVIDIA in the field of hybrid quantum computers. The approach involves combining IonQ's quantum computers with NVIDIA's hybrid quantum computer platform (base technology) 'CUDA-Q'. IonQ demonstrated a hybrid quantum computer at the supercomputer academic conference 'SC24' last November.

Microsoft showcases a hybrid quantum computer through its cloud-based quantum computing platform, Azure Quantum. The strategy combines high-performance computing (supercomputers), quantum computers, and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the industrial application speed of quantum computers./Courtesy of Microsoft

Microsoft presented a hybrid quantum computer that can be used on its proprietary quantum computing cloud 'Azure Quantum'. Microsoft's hybrid quantum computer is based on the 'H2' from the U.S. quantum computing company Atom Computing. Last November, Microsoft confirmed the potential for industrial applications by estimating the energy states of catalytic reaction processes using the hybrid quantum computer.

The European Union (EU), which is leading the development of quantum computers, is also focusing on hybrid quantum computers. The EU is developing hybrid quantum computer technologies through its joint supercomputer construction project 'EuroHPC'. Lee Jeong-won, head of the Korea-EU Quantum Technology Cooperation Center, said, “Six European countries are participating in this project, aiming to develop hybrid quantum computers and cloud services.”

Jeong Yoon-chae stated, “The current quantum computing industry ecosystem hinges on who can first identify practical application areas,” and added, “Hybrid quantum computers are a way to minimize the uncertainties of quantum computers while quickly finding application areas.”