Dear Qubit Community,
Welcome to the latest edition of Qubit.IL’s weekly newsletter, where we dive into the fascinating world of quantum technologies, explore groundbreaking advancements, and connect with our vibrant quantum community. Whether you’re a seasoned researcher, a curious student, or simply quantum-curious, this is your gateway to staying informed and inspired about the quantum landscape.
Best Regards,
The Qubit.IL Team
Business, Technology and Engineering Highlights
China Establishes Quantum-Secure Communication Links with South Africa –
China has successfully deployed quantum-secure communication links with South Africa, marking a significant milestone in global quantum communication. Utilizing quantum key distribution (QKD) technology, the links ensure ultra-secure data transmission resistant to both classical and quantum cyber threats. This achievement is part of China’s broader efforts to expand its quantum communication infrastructure and foster international collaboration in quantum technologies. The initiative highlights the potential of quantum-secure networks to revolutionize global communications, particularly in sectors requiring high levels of data security, such as government, finance, and defense.For further information: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3302234/china-creates-hacker-proof-quantum-satellite-communication-link-south-africa
Lockheed Martin, Q-CTRL, and AOSense Partner to Develop Quantum-Enabled Navigation System for GPS-Denied Environments – Lockheed Martin has teamed up with Q-CTRL and AOSense to create a quantum-enabled navigation system designed to operate in GPS-denied environments. The system leverages quantum sensors and advanced control techniques to provide precise positioning and navigation without relying on satellite signals. This collaboration aims to address critical challenges in defense and aerospace, where reliable navigation is essential in areas with limited or no GPS access. The initiative highlights the growing role of quantum technologies in enhancing mission-critical systems and underscores the potential for quantum-enabled solutions in real-world applications.
For further information: https://thequantuminsider.com/2025/03/13/lockheed-martin-q-ctrl-and-aosense-partner-to-develop-quantum-enabled-navigation-system-for-gps-denied-environments/
NIST Outlines Strategies for Crypto-Agility as PQC Migration Stalls; Available for Public Comment – The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has released draft guidelines to address stalled progress in transitioning to post-quantum cryptography (PQC), emphasizing the need for "crypto-agility"—the ability to swiftly update cryptographic systems as threats evolve. The framework provides strategies for organizations to adopt quantum-resistant algorithms, manage hybrid systems (classical + PQC), and prepare for future cryptographic standards. NIST highlights the urgency of mitigating quantum risks amid delays in PQC adoption and invites public feedback on the proposals. This initiative aims to ensure robust cybersecurity readiness in the quantum era.
For further information: https://thequantuminsider.com/2025/03/07/nist-outlines-strategies-for-crypto-agility-as-pqc-migration-stalls-available-for-public-comment/
QuamCore Emerges from Stealth with $9 Million in Seed Funding to Build World’s First Scalable 1-Million-Qubit Quantum Computer – QuamCore, a quantum startup has exited stealth mode with million in seed funding to develop a revolutionary superconducting quantum processor architecture capable of integrating 1 million qubits in a single cryostat. This breakthrough eliminates traditional scaling bottlenecks by reducing cabling needs by over 1,000x, enabling compact, energy-efficient systems that could fit in a box rather than requiring football-field-sized facilities. Led by experts from Mobileye, Technion, and the Weizmann Institute, QuamCore’s innovation addresses critical challenges in heat management, power efficiency, and scalability, paving the way for fault-tolerant quantum systems. The company’s patented architecture promises to unlock practical applications in pharmaceuticals, AI, materials science, and energy, redefining the economics and accessibility of quantum computing.
For further information: https://www.calcalist.co.il/calcalistech/article/sy1rtxkhkg
NIST Selects HQC as Fifth Algorithm for Post-Quantum Encryption – The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has added the Hamming Quasi-Cyclic (HQC) algorithm to its portfolio of post-quantum cryptographic standards. HQC, a code-based encryption method, joins four previously selected algorithms as part of NIST’s effort to standardize quantum-resistant cryptography. This decision reflects HQC’s strong security guarantees and efficiency, making it a viable option for protecting sensitive data against future quantum attacks. NIST’s ongoing post-quantum cryptography initiative aims to ensure robust cybersecurity in the quantum era, with final standards expected to be published soon.
For further information: https://csrc.nist.gov/pubs/ir/8545/final
Qbeat Fuels Israel's Quantum Computing Revolution – A new venture capital fund named Qbeat has been launched by seasoned Israeli tech veterans —Dr. Dorit Dor, Maya Racine Netser, and Joab Rosenberg—to propel the nation's quantum computing ecosystem. Targeting a $100 million raise, the fund plans to invest in 12–15 early-stage startups ranging from hardware innovations to software applications and quantum sensors. Qbeat aims to bridge the gap between advanced quantum research and its commercial application—a critical move given the typically slow returns in this nascent field. This initiative comes at a time when global interest in quantum technologies is surging, highlighted by significant investments from major players like IBM, Google, and emerging market moves such as Quantinuum’s anticipated IPO. As Israel positions itself as a key player in the global quantum race, Qbeat represents a bold step toward leveraging local expertise and innovation to compete on the world stage.
For further information: https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/rkk5ocpokl
Research Highlights
Quantum Machine Learning A Hands-on Tutorial for Machine Learning Practitioners and Researchers – This tutorial introduces AI practitioners to quantum machine learning (QML), a field harnessing quantum computing to transform machine learning. It covers QML fundamentals, key algorithms, applications, and critical challenges like trainability and computational complexity. Practical code examples (available online) enable hands-on learning, offering a bridge between classical machine learning and quantum computing. Designed as a comprehensive resource, the tutorial highlights recent QML advancements and equips readers to explore AI’s future in the quantum era.
The book: https://arxiv.org/pdf/2502.01146
For further information: https://qml-tutorial.github.io/
Quantum Internet Alliance Announces QNodeOS: The First Operating System for Quantum Networks – The Quantum Internet Alliance (QIA) has unveiled QNodeOS, the first operating system designed specifically for quantum networks. This groundbreaking software framework enables the management, coordination, and scaling of quantum network components—such as nodes, repeaters, and protocols—to optimize entanglement distribution and quantum communication. QNodeOS addresses critical challenges in interoperability, security, and resource allocation, streamlining the deployment of robust quantum networks. By providing a unified platform for quantum network operations, QNodeOS accelerates progress toward a global quantum internet, with applications in secure communications, distributed quantum computing, and beyond.
For further information: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08704-w
Terra Quantum, Quantinuum, NVIDIA, NASA, and More Explore How Tensor Networks Tackle Quantum Computing’s Exponential Complexity – A collaboration involving Terra Quantum, Quantinuum, NVIDIA, NASA, and other leading organizations is advancing the use of tensor networks to manage the exponential complexity of quantum systems. Tensor networks provide a mathematical framework to efficiently represent and simulate large-scale quantum states, enabling researchers to tackle problems that would otherwise be computationally intractable. This approach is being applied to optimize quantum algorithms, improve error correction, and enhance simulations of quantum materials and chemistry. The partnership highlights the growing importance of classical-quantum hybrid methods in overcoming scalability challenges and accelerating the development of practical quantum applications.
For further information: https://arxiv.org/pdf/2503.08626
Cold Atoms on a Chip Open Doors to Accessible Quantum Technologies – Researchers have made significant progress in integrating cold atom systems onto microchips, paving the way for more accessible and scalable quantum technologies. By trapping and manipulating ultracold atoms on a chip, the team has demonstrated precise control over quantum states, enabling applications in quantum computing, sensing, and simulation. This advancement reduces the size, cost, and complexity of cold atom setups, traditionally requiring large, lab-based equipment. The breakthrough could democratize access to quantum technologies, making them viable for industries and research institutions with limited resources.
For further information: https://phys.org/news/2025-03-cold-atoms-chip-doors-accessible.html
Australian Innovation in Google’s New Quantum Chip – Google’s latest quantum chip incorporates groundbreaking innovations from Australian researchers, marking a significant milestone in quantum computing. The chip leverages advanced error-correction techniques and scalable architectures developed in collaboration with Australian institutions, aiming to improve qubit stability and computational performance. This partnership highlights Australia’s growing influence in the global quantum ecosystem and underscores the importance of international collaboration in advancing quantum technologies. The chip’s development paves the way for more reliable and scalable quantum systems, bringing practical quantum applications closer to reality.
For further information: https://ia.acs.org.au/article/2025/the-australian-innovation-in-google-s-new-quantum-chip.html