Analyst(s): Ray Wang
Publication Date: September 3, 2025
IBM and AMD announced a partnership to co-develop next-generation quantum-centric supercomputing architectures. The collaboration combines IBM’s quantum systems and software with AMD’s CPUs, GPUs, and AI accelerators to build scalable, open-source platforms designed to solve problems beyond the reach of classical computing.
What is Covered in this Article:
- IBM and AMD’s partnership to advance quantum-centric supercomputing.
- Integration of AMD CPUs, GPUs, and FPGAs with IBM quantum computers.
- Plans for hybrid demonstrations and open-source ecosystem development.
- Role of AMD in supporting fault-tolerant quantum computing goals.
- Broader context of IBM’s quantum collaborations and AMD’s HPC achievements.
The News: IBM (NYSE: IBM) and AMD (NASDAQ: AMD) are joining forces to build a new computing system focused on quantum-centric supercomputing. This effort combines IBM’s quantum tech and software know-how with AMD’s experience in high-performance computing, CPUs, GPUs, and AI accelerators. The two plan to roll out hybrid quantum-classical workflows before the year ends, showing how IBM’s quantum machines can run alongside AMD’s processors and accelerators. They also plan to use open-source tools like Qiskit to help grow the ecosystem around quantum computing and make it more accessible.
IBM and AMD Join Forces on Quantum-Centric Supercomputing Initiative
Analyst Take: This partnership between IBM and AMD could mark a new milestone in the integration of quantum and classical computing. By playing to their individual strengths, the two are positioning themselves as leaders in building systems that can tackle complex problems in new ways. The focus on open-source platforms also signals a long-term push to build something scalable, practical, and ready for real-world use.
Hybrid Quantum-Classical Workflows
A major step in this collaboration is the planned demo of hybrid workflows later this year. The idea is to split workloads between IBM’s quantum computers and AMD’s CPUs, GPUs, and FPGAs—each handling tasks that suit its strengths. Some algorithms may only become workable through this mix, where quantum handles modeling of natural systems and classical tech does the data-heavy lifting. If the demo goes well, it could show that this setup is not just theoretical and move quantum-centric computing closer to everyday use.
Advancing Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computing
One of the big goals is pushing toward fault-tolerant quantum computing – something IBM hopes to reach by the decade’s end. AMD’s tech could help with real-time error correction, key to scaling up quantum systems. By tying AMD’s accelerators into IBM’s quantum stack, the team could unlock new types of algorithms that neither could achieve alone. This partnership shows a clear role split: IBM leads in quantum development, while AMD brings power and stability to classical systems. Together, they aim to speed up the path to more reliable quantum computing.
Open-Source Integration
By working with open-source platforms like Qiskit, IBM, and AMD are making sure their tools are accessible to a broader group of developers and researchers. This approach lowers barriers for new players and helps fuel faster progress. It also brings transparency, which is important for emerging tech still in the early stages of real-world use. The long game here is not just about winning market share – it’s about building an ecosystem where quantum and classical computing can grow together.
Global Experience and Leadership
Both companies come into this project with strong backgrounds. IBM has already teamed up with RIKEN in Japan to connect its modular Quantum System Two with the Fugaku supercomputer. It’s also working on hybrid models with the Cleveland Clinic, the Basque Government, and Lockheed Martin. Meanwhile, AMD powers the world’s two fastest supercomputers, Frontier and El Capitan. With that kind of track record, they bring serious credibility. This mix of global partnerships and top-tier hardware could be the edge needed to move quantum-centric supercomputing from concept to commercial reality.
What to Watch:
- Execution of the planned demonstration of hybrid workflows later this year.
- Progress toward integrating AMD’s CPUs, GPUs, and FPGAs with IBM’s quantum systems.
- IBM’s ability to achieve fault-tolerant quantum computing by the decade’s end.
- Open-source adoption through frameworks like Qiskit in enabling ecosystem growth.
- Competitive responses from Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and Nvidia in quantum and HPC.
See the complete press release on IBM and AMD’s quantum-centric supercomputing partnership on the AMD website.
Disclosure: Futurum is a research and advisory firm that engages or has engaged in research, analysis, and advisory services with many technology companies, including those mentioned in this article. The author does not hold any equity positions with any company mentioned in this article.
Analysis and opinions expressed herein are specific to the analyst individually and data and other information that might have been provided for validation, not those of Futurum as a whole.
Other insights from Futurum:
AMD Expands Windows AI Limits With 128B Parameter Model Capability
AMD Q2 FY 2025 Sales Beat Offset by MI308-Linked EPS Decline
Author Information
Ray Wang is the Research Director for Semiconductors, Supply Chain, and Emerging Technology at Futurum. His coverage focuses on the global semiconductor industry and frontier technologies. He also advises clients on global compute distribution, deployment, and supply chain. In addition to his main coverage and expertise, Wang also specializes in global technology policy, supply chain dynamics, and U.S.-China relations.
He has been quoted or interviewed regularly by leading media outlets across the globe, including CNBC, CNN, MarketWatch, Nikkei Asia, South China Morning Post, Business Insider, Science, Al Jazeera, Fast Company, and TaiwanPlus.
Prior to joining Futurum, Wang worked as an independent semiconductor and technology analyst, advising technology firms and institutional investors on industry development, regulations, and geopolitics. He also held positions at leading consulting firms and think tanks in Washington, D.C., including DGA–Albright Stonebridge Group, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
