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GOA: A research team led by BITS Pilani, Goa Campus, in collaboration with IBM Quantum, has become the first Indian research team to demonstrate a verified quantum advantage for a real-world scientific problem. Using IBM Quantum’s 120-qubit Heron processor, the team completed a highly complex physics simulation in 20 seconds, while the best-known classical algorithm required nearly two hours for the same simulation. The achievement has been independently recognised by the Quantum Advantage Tracker, making it the first Indian research group to receive this verification.
The breakthrough is significant because it shows that a quantum computer can outperform the best-known classical computing method for a real scientific problem, rather than a specially designed benchmark. The researchers used IBM Quantum’s 120-qubit Heron processor to simulate aspects of quantum chromodynamics (QCD), the theory that describes how quarks and gluons interact through the strong nuclear force. In simple terms, the team simulated the behaviour of particles inside protons and neutrons.
What is quantum advantage?
Quantum advantage refers to the point at which a quantum computer performs a specific task faster or more efficiently than the best available classical computing method.
This does not mean quantum computers have replaced traditional computers. Instead, it means that for certain highly complex problems, quantum computers can solve them much more efficiently. Everyday tasks such as browsing the internet, writing documents or using mobile apps are still better suited to conventional computers.
What did the researchers do?
The BITS Pilani team developed a new quantum algorithm to simulate the interactions of quarks and gluons, the fundamental particles that make up protons and neutrons.
These interactions are extremely difficult to calculate because the number of possible quantum states increases rapidly as the system becomes larger, making such problems among the most challenging calculations for conventional computers.
Using IBM Quantum’s cloud-based quantum computer, the researchers completed the calculation in about 20 seconds, compared with roughly two hours using the best-known classical algorithm. The team also used advanced error-mitigation techniques to improve the accuracy of the results.
Why is this important?
The achievement places India among a small group of countries whose researchers have demonstrated a verified quantum advantage.
It is also the first Indian entry to receive an “Active” status on the Quantum Advantage Tracker, an independent, community-run platform that tracks and evaluates quantum advantage claims reported by researchers worldwide. An “Active” status means the claim currently stands without a known classical algorithm matching its reported performance, while remaining open to future scrutiny as new algorithms are developed.
Experts believe the research could help accelerate studies in particle physics and may contribute to future advances in materials science, chemistry, artificial intelligence and drug discovery, where quantum simulations can solve problems that are difficult for today’s computers.
A boost for India’s quantum ambitions
The achievement comes as India continues to invest in quantum technologies through the National Quantum Mission, which aims to strengthen the country’s capabilities in quantum computing, quantum communication and quantum sensing.
Although practical, large-scale quantum computers are still under development, this achievement demonstrates that Indian researchers are making meaningful contributions to one of the world’s fastest-growing scientific fields.
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