Quantum Leap for ICP: A Quantum Computer subnet on ICP

General DFINITY
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The future of computing is quantum. By harnessing the power of quantum mechanics, we can revolutionize industries, from drug discovery to artificial intelligence. Today, I propose a bold vision: a quantum computer subnet on the Internet Computer Protocol (ICP) blockchain.

Why a Quantum Subnet on ICP?

Future-Proofing Security: ICP’s unique architecture, combined with quantum computing, will create a fortress of digital security, safeguarding the future of decentralized applications.

Accelerating Innovation: Quantum computing’s immense computational power will unlock new frontiers in AI, machine learning, and cryptography, propelling ICP to the forefront of technological advancement.
Enhanced Investor Sentiment: Demonstrating a commitment to cutting-edge technology will bolster investor confidence in ICP as a long-term investment.

Benefits for the Entire Crypto Space

Quantum-Resistant Cryptography:*Safeguarding digital assets from future quantum attacks

Advanced AI and Machine Learning:

Driving breakthroughs in AI and ML, leading to more intelligent and efficient systems.

Accelerated Scientific Discovery:
Enabling faster and more accurate scientific research

New Economic Opportunities:
Creating novel business models and industries powered by quantum technologies.

Form a PR and marketing point of view it’s sends a clear signal that we are going forward and investing in cutting edge technology.

It’s not just for ICP but for the security of the entire blockchain space which is going to be susceptible to quantum computed vulnerability’s coupled with AI it’s a dangerous tool in the wrong hands

Thank you for to time and I look forward to a good debate regarding my proposal

Have a good weekend
Kurt

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This is a fascinating idea. I don’t know how practical it would be, but I’d be interested to hear if you or anyone else has some use cases in mind with some finer details that you could lay out. I gather this would use quantum simulators in the foreseeable short term as it will probably be quite a while before we have quantum computers with enough qubits, a low enough error rate and a low enough cost to be used in a blockchain network.

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Hi Tim Glad to hear your interested ! And I will try answer your questions.
I would just like to say that nothing is set in stone and these are just my thoughts In the spirit of crypto id like anyone who holds the ICP token, 1 or 10000 to feel like they are part of this discussion and hopefully together we can make this a reality “you don’t know until you try right ?!”

You’re absolutely right! Quantum computers are still in their early stages of development, and large-scale quantum computers capable of powering a full-fledged blockchain are likely years away. However, quantum simulators offer a promising avenue to explore the potential of quantum technologies in the blockchain space.

So we are talking about a time frame of 4 to 6 years from now.

What aspect of quantum?

My Initial thoughts; Quantum-Resistant Cryptography and to accelerated machine learning and AI. But there are so many good (& possibly better) uses R&D Algorithms for trading, anti fraud portfolio optimization I know there are many other uses cases but initially the focus should be on a maximum of one or two.

Possible funding avenues new token: Quantum
With revenue generated through compute going to token holders ( again this is just an idea :bulb:)
My reasoning is that when ICP has a market cap of $100bn 1% of that would be a wise investment for insurance and further development more so justified when your protecting the entire crypto system.
By tokenising the subnet a certain percentage of fees earned would pay holders interest on the tokens.

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Just to give everyone an idea of how fast this space is moving.

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It’s a fascinating development.

I’m not an expert, but sharing here the thoughts of Emin Gun Sirer, the founder and CEO of Avalabs, Avalanche.

Thought it might be helpful.

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Thanks for sharing !
I agree it’s some time off before blockchain cryptography is subjected to quantum cryptography algorithms (Quantum cyber attack) but as the saying goes prepare for the worst and wish for the best - a quick calculation is that it would require approximately 100,000 Qubits and heaps of R&D. (Billions $)

A quantum cyber attack would not necessarily attack the cryptography aspect of a crypto but it’s weakest link like where it’s sorted ? Most people access web2 via mobiles - how secure is your mobile network? How secure is your phone?
Better targets would be web2 exchanges, wallets, bridges
Etc.

“They” would also target other sectors such as banking, stock markets infrastructure and data.
Coupled with AI and this gives “Them” some serious tools for cybercrime whether it be by a criminal organization or state sponsored.

Quantum cybersecurity could be yet another bow to Internet Computers string.

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We are moving much quicker than people realize.

https://www.ft.com/content/f1d26918-67c5-4b11-b47b-4904606a002f

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Much much faster
Apollo: Dynex’s first Chip

Starting in 2025, Dynex will manifacture their own silicon quantum chips at large scale, fully taking advantage of their innovative approach.

A $50M VC equity round is already in the works to fund it.

The first chip will be released in 2025 and is called Apollo.

The circuit schematic is already finalised and manifacturers are being interviewed.

Key Specs of Apollo:
:small_blue_diamond:1000 qubits
:small_blue_diamond:operates at room temperature (25°C) :bangbang:
:small_blue_diamond:0.001% error rate
:small_blue_diamond:integrated ethical inegrity
:small_blue_diamond:fully $DNX utility based

It is important to highlight that these are the results of simulations and even though they are usually extremely reliable, the data is supject to minor changes once its benchmarked on the physical chip.

Either way, no matter how you spin it, Apollo is superior to Willow in every single way.

Biggest difference being that it can operate at room temperature and doesn’t have to be supercooled.

Apollo is just the start.

In their 10 year roadmap they plan to overtake the qunatum computing market by achieving 25% of total market share and therefore reaching $4B+ annual revene by 2034.

To reach this goal they will continuously refine their chips, releasing better ones each year.

Chip Roadmap (oversimplified):
:small_blue_diamond:2025: Apollo (1.000 qubits)
:small_blue_diamond:2026-27: Athene (10.000 qubits)
:small_blue_diamond:2028-29: Hera (10.000 qubits)
:small_blue_diamond:2030-31: Hades (100.000 qubits)
:small_blue_diamond:2032-33: Poseidon (100.000 qubits)
:small_blue_diamond:2034+: Zeus (1.000.000 qubits)

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Scaling could be a challenge:

Although quantum computers are probably decades away from being a genuine threat to modern cryptography, Ethereum is being built to be secure for centuries to come. This means making Ethereum quantum resistant(opens in a new tab) as soon as possible.

The challenge facing Ethereum developers is that the current proof-of-stake protocol relies upon a very efficient signature scheme known as BLS to aggregate votes on valid blocks. This signature scheme is broken by quantum computers, but the quantum resistant alternatives are not as efficient.

Source: Future-proofing Ethereum | ethereum.org

Next, we need to know how systems are communicating with each other: If a server supports PQC but a client does not, an enterprise cannot enforce PQC. While the largest cloud providers are being proactive, some services may not get updated, which needs to be determined.

We know that all PQC algorithms have larger key sizes and requires more CPU and memory capacity to compute compared to current algorithms. The performance impact is of concern on servers that need to establish numerous connections. The server hardware will have to be scaled up, or cryptographic co-processors may be needed if these exist for PQC by then. Some cloud providers offload the TLS connection to specialized servers, which could also alleviate the problem.

Source: Post-Quantum Cryptography: Migrating to Quantum Resistant Cryptography | Trend Micro (US)

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