The University of Tokyo (UTokyo) and IBM have announced plans to upgrade the IBM Quantum System One with a new 156-qubit IBM Heron quantum processing unit (QPU). This system is managed by UTokyo for the Quantum Innovation Initiative (QII) Consortium. The Heron QPU, featuring a tunable-coupler architecture, promises significantly improved performance compared to the processor installed in 2023.
This marks the second update for the IBM Quantum System One as part of the collaboration between UTokyo and IBM. Initially equipped with a 27-qubit IBM Falcon QPU, it was upgraded to a 127-qubit IBM Eagle QPU in 2023. The transition to the Heron processor is expected later this year. Globally, four Heron-based systems have been deployed, demonstrating significant advancements over previous models. These include a three- to fourfold improvement in two-qubit error rates and an order of magnitude enhancement in device-wide performance across 100-qubit layers. Additionally, there is an anticipated 60 percent increase in CLOPS speed and more than 95% system uptime.
Plans are also underway at UTokyo to connect the IBM Quantum System One with the Miyabi supercomputer later this year, creating a quantum-centric supercomputer. This connection will provide industry and academic users within the QII Consortium access to enhanced computational capabilities across various fields such as chemistry, bioinformatics, high energy physics, materials science, and finance.
Miyabi is jointly operated by UTokyo and the University of Tsukuba through the Joint Center for Advanced High Performance Computing (JCAHPC). It consists of two subsystems equipped with advanced CPUs and GPUs. By linking it with UTokyo’s Heron-powered system later this year, users can explore complex computational problems like precise quantum observables measurement using neural network estimators.
Hiroaki Aihara, Executive Vice President at UTokyo, stated: “This update to an IBM Heron quantum processor, linked to our Miyabi supercomputer will allow us to further develop use cases that leverage quantum and AI capabilities, expanding the realm of computable problems in science and accelerating efforts to solve societal challenges.”
Jay Gambetta, Vice President at IBM Quantum said: “By deploying our latest, best performing IBM Heron QPU in UTokyo’s IBM Quantum System One...this quantum-centric supercomputer will provide QII Consortium members with new...computing power.”
Since its inception in 2019 under the Japan–IBM Quantum Partnership initiative—expanded into including the QII Consortium since 2020—UTokyo has played a pivotal role in advancing Japan's leadership within quantum science sectors while preparing students globally for future workforce demands related specifically towards these technologies' applications.
The deployment remains contingent upon appropriate export licenses issuance alongside closing definitive agreements.