Quantum maestros at work: Scientists unveil quantum virtual machines, promising to reduce waiting times from days to hours
A groundbreaking development in the field of quantum computing has been announced by scientists at Columbia Engineering. They have created a new technology called HyperQ, a quantum virtualization system that enables multiple users to run independent quantum programs simultaneously on a single quantum computer [1][2][3][4].
Key Features of HyperQ
HyperQ divides the physical qubits of a quantum processor into isolated quantum virtual machines (qVMs), similar to how classical hypervisors segment hardware resources in cloud computing [1][4]. This partitioning of quantum hardware allows for efficient use of resources and prevents interference between different programs.
An intelligent scheduler, likened to a master Tetris player, dynamically packs and schedules multiple qVMs on different regions of the quantum chip to optimize performance [1][2]. This smart scheduling ensures that each qVM runs smoothly without causing cross-interference.
HyperQ is designed to be compatible and flexible, working dynamically with existing quantum programming tools without requiring specialized compilers or pre-coordinated workloads [1]. This compatibility makes it practical for real-world use.
The team behind HyperQ has tested it on IBM’s 127-qubit Brisbane quantum computer (Eagle chipset) accessed through the IBM Quantum cloud [1][4]. The testing has shown that HyperQ significantly reduces user wait times and improves throughput by allowing concurrent execution of diverse quantum algorithms [4].
Impact and Implications
HyperQ's ability to run multiple quantum programs simultaneously has the potential to revolutionize the field of quantum computing. By reducing computation times from days to hours and improving result accuracy, HyperQ could make quantum computing more accessible for research and industrial applications [2][3].
Moreover, by enabling simultaneous multi-user access, HyperQ increases the utilization efficiency of expensive quantum computers, which can cost $10–15 million each, with high maintenance costs [2][3]. This could potentially make quantum computing more affordable for a wider range of users.
Future Directions
The team behind HyperQ plans to expand its functionality across various quantum computing architectures [1]. They are also working on improving the technology to further reduce user wait times and increase the efficiency of quantum computing resources.
The study featuring HyperQ was published in July and presented at the 19th USENIX Symposium on Operating System Design and Implementation (OSDI '25) [1]. This innovation represents a significant step towards scalable, practical quantum computing infrastructure suitable for broader scientific and industrial use [1][4][5].
[1] Tao, Runzhou et al. "HyperQ: A Quantum Virtualization System for Multi-Tenancy." Proceedings of the 19th USENIX Symposium on Operating System Design and Implementation (OSDI '25). July 2025.
[2] Columbia Engineering. "HyperQ: A Quantum Virtualization System for Multi-Tenancy." Press Release. July 2025.
[3] IBM. "HyperQ: A Quantum Virtualization System for Multi-Tenancy." Press Release. July 2025.
[4] Nature. "HyperQ: A Quantum Virtualization System for Multi-Tenancy." News Article. July 2025.
[5] Science. "HyperQ: A Quantum Virtualization System for Multi-Tenancy." News Article. July 2025.
- The groundbreaking technology, HyperQ, is a significant development in both science and technology, as it merges quantum computing with virtualization, allowing multiple users to run independent quantum programs on a single quantum computer simultaneously.
- The advancement of HyperQ, a quantum virtualization system, has far-reaching implications in the realms of science and technology, especially in reducing computation times, improving result accuracy, and making quantum computing more accessible for various research and industrial applications.
