Intel Putting $50 Million Into Quantum Computing Research

US chip colossus Intel on Thursday said that it will put $50 million (roughly Rs. 331 crores) and engineering resources into an alliance on quantum computing that could radically advance complex problem-solving.

Intel Corporation plans a 10-year collaboration with Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands and TNO, the Dutch Organization for Applied Research, to make real the kind of quantum computing that could tackle seemingly insurmountable problems.

Intel said that potential applications for the computing power include intricate simulations such as large-scale financial analysis and more effective drug development.

"A fully functioning quantum computer is at least a dozen years away, but the practical and theoretical research efforts we're announcing today mark an important milestone in the journey to bring it closer to reality," managing director of Intel Labs Mike Mayberry said.

Unlike digital computers, quantum computers use quantum bits that can exist in multiple states simultaneously, offering the potential to compute a large number of calculations all at once, speeding up results.

Intel at IFA 2015 formally announced its entire lineup of sixth-generation Core processors, more commonly known by the codename "Skylake". The company is calling this generation its most scalable ever, enabling the broadest yet range of devices including desktop PCs, all-in-ones, mobile workstations, laptops, 2-in-1s, tablets, small-form-factor boxes and even a new version of the tiny Intel Compute Stick.

The chipmaker also claims that its new processors are optimised for Windows 10 and enable experiences and features that no other hardware can offer. Intel is targeting potential upgraders, promising up to 2.5x better performance, 3x battery life, and 30x better integrated graphics than comparable processors from five years ago.

Written with inputs from AFP