Technology Innovation Institute’s quantum rush with the launch of open-source Qibo

Technology Innovation Institute (TII), the applied research pillar of Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), announced that its Quantum Research Centre (QRC) has developed the first simulation version of 'Qibo', a versatile open-source quantum computing programming framework, in collaboration with researchers from around the world, on its website.

Qibo supports quantum algorithms across different computer systems such as graphics processing units (GPUs) and multiple quantum devices. Qibo, therefore, is easy to use for quantum programming and accelerates research and applications. Written in programming languages such as Python and C/C++, Qibo is the entry point for a full stack programming platform, able to run quantum algorithms across different quantum computers and simulators.

Qibo is a joint project by Quantum Research Centre; Qilimanjaro Quantum Tech, the Barcelona-based quantum computing company; and researchers at other global centres. TII’s Quantum Research Centre team is led by Chief Researcher Prof José Ignacio Latorre. The first release of Qibo was published in September 2020, with the final version set for launch within the next two years.

The development follows a series of rapid announcements at Technology Innovation Institute since the first Advanced Technology Research Council board meeting in August 2020.

Speaking on the announcement, Secretary General of Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), Faisal Al Bannai said: “The fact that Qibo is open-source will be a significant advantage to the world of programming and marks a major contribution to the research community and the advancement of scientific inquiry. Initial benchmark studies that show Qibo outperforming other computing languages is a clear indication of the quality of research currently being undertaken at Quantum Research Centre at Technology Innovation Institute."

Prof José Ignacio Latorre, Chief Researcher at Quantum Research Centre, said: “We are committed to innovation that transcends boundaries. The quantum advantage in computing will offer notable benefits to broader society, ranging from life-sciences, artificial intelligence, and finance.”