Yonsei University's Quantum Computer Upgraded with IBM's Latest Processor

At a glance

IBM has installed its newest processor, the IBM Quantum Nighthawk, in the quantum computer at the Quantum Computing Center on Yonsei University's Songdo International Campus. Yonsei first started this computer in 2024 with a 127-qubit processor (qubits are the basic units that hold quantum information), and this is its first upgrade.

Key points

1. 1

   Nighthawk is said to be the fastest processor IBM has built so far.

2. 2

   Its circuit throughput is 25 times higher than Quantum Eagle, the previous processor. A circuit can be thought of as a unit of computing work.

3. 3

   Researchers plan to use the quantum computer together with regular computers for complex biology research, including work related to mitochondria.

4. 4

   Graduate students will also be able to use the new processor, and IBM plans to keep supporting users with expert lectures and other programs.

Why it matters

Research quantum equipment at a Korean university is now at the latest global level, which could affect both research and training of talent.