Honeywell unveils plan for 'most powerful' quantum computer

Honeywell International  will introduce the world’s most powerful quantum computer, designed to tackle complex scientific and business challenges, the company has said.

The American corporation claims to have achieved a breakthrough in quantum computing, using subatomic particles to speed up processing and will debut the new computer within three months.

The company released a scientific paper describing the accelerated quantum capability.

Honeywell has partnered with two quantum software and algorithm providers, Cambridge Quantum Computing and Zapata Computing, developing new ways to deploy quantum computing.

“Quantum computing will enable us to tackle complex scientific and business challenges, driving step-change improvements in computational power, operating costs and speed,” said Honeywell CEO Darius Adamczyk.

“Materials companies will explore new molecular structures. Transportation companies will optimize logistics. Financial institutions will need faster and more precise software applications. Pharmaceutical companies will accelerate the discovery of new drugs. Honeywell is striving to influence how quantum computing evolves and create opportunities for our customers to benefit from this powerful new technology.”

Quantum computing is based on the use of quantum bits, or qubits, that can perform trillions of calculations per second and, in some cases, outperform the fastest traditional supercomputers.

Honeywell is collaborating with JPMorgan Chase to develop new financial applications with the quantum technology.

It is also partnering with Microsoft to provide businesses access to Honeywell’s quantum computer via the Microsoft Azure cloud platform.

“There are a number of industries that will be profoundly impacted by the advancement and ultimate application of at-scale quantum computing,” said Tony Uttley, president of Honeywell Quantum Solutions.

The announcement comes on the heels of Google’s claim last year that it developed a machine that outperforms the world’s fastest supercomputers.