IBM and AMD have announced a partnership to advance the convergence of quantum computing, AI accelerators, and high-performance computing (HPC), with the goal of addressing some of the world’s most complex challenges.
The collaboration focuses on developing scalable, open-source platforms under a “quantum-centric supercomputing” model, combining IBM’s expertise in quantum hardware and software with AMD’s leadership in HPC and AI technologies.
Quantum computing represents a fundamentally new way of processing information, using qubits governed by quantum mechanics instead of the binary bits of classical computing. This capability allows exploration of solutions to problems that are too complex for classical systems alone, such as drug and materials discovery, logistics, and optimization.
IBM CEO Arvind Krishna said the partnership will help create a hybrid computing model that goes beyond the limitations of traditional systems by combining quantum and HPC resources. AMD CEO Dr. Lisa Su emphasized that the collaboration could accelerate innovation and discovery across industries.
In this hybrid approach, quantum systems could handle simulations at the atomic and molecular level, while classical supercomputers powered by CPUs, GPUs, and AI infrastructure process massive data sets. The companies are also exploring how AMD’s CPUs, GPUs, and FPGAs can integrate with IBM quantum systems to accelerate new types of algorithms and advance real-time error correction, a critical step toward fault-tolerant quantum computing.
The first demonstration of the partnership is expected later this year, showcasing hybrid quantum-classical workflows. Both companies also plan to use open-source ecosystems such as Qiskit to foster the development of new algorithms.
The initiative builds on IBM’s ongoing efforts to link quantum and classical systems, including partnerships with RIKEN, Cleveland Clinic, Lockheed Martin, and others. At the same time, AMD continues to power some of the world’s fastest supercomputers, including Frontier and El Capitan, as well as AI infrastructure for enterprises and cloud providers.
Together, IBM and AMD aim to establish quantum-centric supercomputing as the next frontier in solving real-world problems at unprecedented speed and scale.
