At the first Future Technologies Forum held July 9 to 14 in Moscow, Rosatom demonstrated a 16-qubit ion-based quantum computer to President Vladimir Putin. The device, developed by scientists from the Russian Quantum Center and the Lebedev Physical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, was described as Russia’s most powerful quantum computer at the time. According to the Kremlin press service, experts launched a molecule-calculation algorithm on the computer via a cloud platform during the demonstration.
Putin used the forum’s plenary session to propose a new national project on the formation of a “data economy” for the period through 2030. He stated that the project should include roadmaps for quantum technologies and called for increased funding for basic research. Russian Railways also presented plans at the forum for a backbone quantum communication network through 2030.
An agreement was signed between the Moscow city government, Rosatom, and the Russian Quantum Center for the construction of a laboratory and industrial center at Skolkovo. A separate agreement between the Russian Quantum Center and VK (formerly Mail.ru Group) was announced to develop quantum computing in the cloud.