Goal 6: Vision of Society in 2050 (Illustration)

What will society look like in 2050?

An illustrated guide on what society might look like in 2050 if Goal 6 is realized

Vision of Society in 2050

Why do we need quantum computers?

Conventional computers: For a conventional computer, information is expressed as 1s and 0s, and calculations are performed by combination and/or recursion. A unit of information is called a “bit”. Strong point: We can do various types of calculations! Weak point: Calculations can take time if there are lots of combinations to be processed and no efficient algorithm. Quantum computer: Qubit (the quantum version of a bit, and can take a superposed state of both 1 and 0 based on quantum behavior.). 4Since each of the 4 qubits is both 1 and 0, 16 combinations can be expressed at the same time. Quantum computers can efficiently narrow down answers and obtain results in a short time. Strong point! We can quickly calculate a huge number of combinations! We can efficiently simulate ‘as is’ quantum behavior, such as the state of electrons in a substance's molecules. Quantum research is progressing in fields that are difficult and time consuming for conventional computers, such as assessing the state of electrons when chemical reactions and biological phenomena occur. We hope that artificial photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation will be realized and unconventional approaches to develop new materials and medicines will be promoted.

How do you make a quantum computer?

Correcting qubit errors: realizing a fault-tolerant universal quantum computer

As the calculations continue, quantum errors accumulate and the accuracy of the answer decreases. 2050, If we can make a “fault-tolerant computer”, then the calculations can continue correctly! A logical qubit is represented by a set of multiple physical qubits. The computer looks at all qubits in the set, detects and corrects errors and continues the calculation.

We need more qubits!

To make a fault-tolerant quantum computer, we must be able to stably use up to 100 million qubits. Today's quantum computers still have less than 100 qubits.

A 2050 society brought by fault-tolerant universal quantum computers

Understanding “energy-saving” creatures

The Haber-Bosch process, invented in the early 20th century, has enabled the industrial production of ammonia - the raw material for nitrogen fertilizer - and supported the prosperity of humankind. However the production of nitrogen fertilizer requires a significant amount of the total energy consumed by humankind, putting a heavy burden on the global environment. Natural nitrogen fixation (the reaction that converts nitrogen molecules existing in the air into nitrogen compounds) performed by fungi is far more resource-efficient than the Haber-Bosch process. If natural nitrogen fixation can be mimicked, it will help solve various problems related to food, energy and global warming.
Why can organisms carry out such complex reactions as a matter of course? The secret is thought to be the quantum behavior of the substances involved in the reactions, but it is difficult to calculate the intricately entangled quantum states exactly even when using a supercomputer. However, if there is a fault-tolerant universal quantum computer, it will be possible to accurately calculate (reproduce) the quantum states that occur during reactions performed by living organisms.

Perform large-scale calculations at high speed by linking multiple quantum computers in a network.

A sustainable, safe and prosperous society

Realizing artificial photosynthesis. By using sunlight and water, we will be able to convert carbon dioxide - a major contributor to global warming - into oxygen and organic compounds. Once it is possible to accurately calculate the quantum states of various reactions and accurately predict the properties of substances, the development of materials such as medicines and room-temperature superconducting substances will be dramatically accelerated. / Realizing artificial nitrogen fixation. While saving energy, nitrogen compounds can be efficiently synthesized from nitrogen in the air.

Contact

Goal 6 Secretariat
Department of Moonshot Research and Development Program, Japan Science and Technology Agency

e-mail　moonshot-goal6adjst.go.jp