Daily Archives: May 29, 2024

Ben Bouldin to head of Royal Caribbean in China – – Cruise Adviser

Posted: May 29, 2024 at 2:09 am

Ben Bouldin, the vice president of EMEA for Royal Caribbean International, is take up the role of president of Royal Caribbean International, China.

He will oversee the sales, marketing and commercial teams in his new position, the line said.

Zinan Liu, the current president for the China and North Asia Pacific region, will continue in his role as chairman of Royal Caribbean International, Asia.

Bouldin joined Royal Caribbean in 2014 as director of sales for the UK and Ireland and has held his most recent role since 2020. He and his family will move to China in August.

I am excited to have the opportunity to lead the team in China, he said. It is a significant chance for me, both personally and professionally, and Im honoured that Royal Caribbean sees me as the right candidate to steer and grow the business in such a key region for the brand.

Im looking forward to moving to China at the end of August and getting to know my new team.

He added: I will be leaving the EMEA business in a strong position with a fantastic leadership team. Having dedicated my 11 years at Royal Caribbean to this region, Ill always remain proud of the team and my industry colleagues in EMEA.

Angie Stephen, senior vice-president of international, said: The team in China is at a pivotal point as the brand returns to delivering memorable vacations in a market that has been a focus of ours for more than a decade.

There is so much in store as we continue to push the envelope as the top cruise line in China, and I know Bens experience across a wide range of markets will bolster the teams operations, ideas and ambitions for the future.

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Seaweed plaguing the Caribbean could become eco-friendly products – Lenoir News-Topic

Posted: at 2:09 am

By Stephen Beech via SWNS

Seaweed clogging up the Caribbean could be used to produce sustainable goods, say scientists.

British researchers have been working to track the spread of sargassum which is wreaking environmental havoc as well as causing economic damage across the region.

The huge mass stranded seaweed blocks fishing boats, threatens tourism and disrupts turtle nesting sites, reefs and mangroves.

It also releases toxic gas which impacts human health as well as damaging electrical equipment.

First reported by Christopher Columbus in the 15th Century, floating mats of sargassum have long been present in the North Atlantic.

But since 2011, a giant floating mass has established between West Africa and South America, and increased in size to form the great Atlantic sargassum belt a macroalgal bloom more than 5,000 miles long that is even visible from space and estimated to weigh 35 million tons.

Scientists believe the massive blooms of sargassum are thought to be down to nutrient pollution and warming seas.

Vast quantities of the seaweed end up in landfill each year as it becomes a global environmental issue.

Photo by cottonbro studio via Pexels

Researchers from the Universities of York and Southampton, alongside colleagues from the University of the West Indies, set out to learn more about sargassum to unlock its potential to be used in the production of sustainable products.

But the seaweed's possible uses are limited due to its high arsenic content.

Study first author Dr. Carla Machado said: The small quantities of sargassum that used to wash ashore in the Caribbean provided a habitat for turtles, crabs and fish and contributed to beach formation as it decomposed.

"But the vast sargassum blooms of the past decade are a global problem that will continue to grow and have a major impact in the affected countries."

Dr. Machado, of York University, added: "This research project has brought together international researchers specializing in biomass composition and satellite imaging to track, sample and study sargassum, providing crucial new knowledge of this little-understood macroalgae.

She explained that for a biomass to be utilized, it needs to be "consistent" in its composition to ensures that it can be processed efficiently and behave predictably during production.

The research team tested different processing methods for the seaweed - including shade-drying or freezing - and found the protein content of the seaweed stayed the same.

But the method of processing did affect levels of other components such as alginate, which can be processed for many applications, including biomaterials.

The researchers collected samples of sargassum in Jamaica throughout 2021, which coincided with the April 2021 eruption of La Soufrire volcano on the Caribbean island of Saint Vincent.

Using drift patterns, the team calculated that the sargassum samples they collected in August 2021 would have spent around 50 days exposed to ash from the eruption.

They discovered that seaweed that had likely been in contact with volcanic ash contained less arsenic, but had accumulated other elements including nickel and zinc.

Sargassum in Jamaica in August 2021.

Lead author Dr. Thierry Tonon, also of York University, said: Understanding sargassums response to environmental conditions is crucial for unlocking its biology and potential value.

With the great sargassum belt also receiving additional nutrients from Sahara dust that blows across the Atlantic, huge quantities of the seaweed washing up on coastlines looks set to become the new normal.

The team say more work needs to be done to increase understanding about sargassum and how it is going to behave in future.

Dr. Robert Marsh, of the University of Southampton said: "The sargassum beaching around Jamaica in late summer 2021 carried distinct traces of the volcanic ash that settled upon it around four months earlier, just to the east of St Vincent.

"This novel volcanic tag confirmed that sargassum arrives each summer at Jamaican beaches after a months-long journey drifting with currents from the central tropical Atlantic.

Dr. Hazel Oxenford, from the University of the West Indies, said: Volcanic ash collected in my garden from the St Vincent eruption was used to determine its chemical signature.

"Being able to detect those components in sargassum after it travelled more than 1,700 kilometers across the Caribbean to Jamaica was exciting.

"It confirmed our predicted transport pathway for sargassum, showed that the seaweed lives for at least four months and demonstrates the marine connectivity across the region.

Professor Mona Webber, also from the University of the West Indies, added: It is very important for Caribbean Islands being affected by the sargassum inundation to be able to benefit from its valorization.

"Understanding how the sargassum we collect in Jamaica has changed en route to our shores and factors that could affect especially the arsenic content, will propel us towards safe use of the algal biomass.

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Seaweed plaguing the Caribbean could become eco-friendly products – The Elkhart Truth

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Seaweed plaguing the Caribbean could become eco-friendly products – Herald Palladium

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Seaweed plaguing the Caribbean could become eco-friendly products - Herald Palladium

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Seaweed plaguing the Caribbean could become eco-friendly products – The Bryan Times

Posted: at 2:09 am

By Stephen Beech via SWNS

Seaweed clogging up the Caribbean could be used to produce sustainable goods, say scientists.

British researchers have been working to track the spread of sargassum which is wreaking environmental havoc as well as causing economic damage across the region.

The huge mass stranded seaweed blocks fishing boats, threatens tourism and disrupts turtle nesting sites, reefs and mangroves.

It also releases toxic gas which impacts human health as well as damaging electrical equipment.

First reported by Christopher Columbus in the 15th Century, floating mats of sargassum have long been present in the North Atlantic.

But since 2011, a giant floating mass has established between West Africa and South America, and increased in size to form the great Atlantic sargassum belt a macroalgal bloom more than 5,000 miles long that is even visible from space and estimated to weigh 35 million tons.

Scientists believe the massive blooms of sargassum are thought to be down to nutrient pollution and warming seas.

Vast quantities of the seaweed end up in landfill each year as it becomes a global environmental issue.

Photo by cottonbro studio via Pexels

Researchers from the Universities of York and Southampton, alongside colleagues from the University of the West Indies, set out to learn more about sargassum to unlock its potential to be used in the production of sustainable products.

But the seaweed's possible uses are limited due to its high arsenic content.

Study first author Dr. Carla Machado said: The small quantities of sargassum that used to wash ashore in the Caribbean provided a habitat for turtles, crabs and fish and contributed to beach formation as it decomposed.

"But the vast sargassum blooms of the past decade are a global problem that will continue to grow and have a major impact in the affected countries."

Dr. Machado, of York University, added: "This research project has brought together international researchers specializing in biomass composition and satellite imaging to track, sample and study sargassum, providing crucial new knowledge of this little-understood macroalgae.

She explained that for a biomass to be utilized, it needs to be "consistent" in its composition to ensures that it can be processed efficiently and behave predictably during production.

The research team tested different processing methods for the seaweed - including shade-drying or freezing - and found the protein content of the seaweed stayed the same.

But the method of processing did affect levels of other components such as alginate, which can be processed for many applications, including biomaterials.

The researchers collected samples of sargassum in Jamaica throughout 2021, which coincided with the April 2021 eruption of La Soufrire volcano on the Caribbean island of Saint Vincent.

Using drift patterns, the team calculated that the sargassum samples they collected in August 2021 would have spent around 50 days exposed to ash from the eruption.

They discovered that seaweed that had likely been in contact with volcanic ash contained less arsenic, but had accumulated other elements including nickel and zinc.

Sargassum in Jamaica in August 2021.

Lead author Dr. Thierry Tonon, also of York University, said: Understanding sargassums response to environmental conditions is crucial for unlocking its biology and potential value.

With the great sargassum belt also receiving additional nutrients from Sahara dust that blows across the Atlantic, huge quantities of the seaweed washing up on coastlines looks set to become the new normal.

The team say more work needs to be done to increase understanding about sargassum and how it is going to behave in future.

Dr. Robert Marsh, of the University of Southampton said: "The sargassum beaching around Jamaica in late summer 2021 carried distinct traces of the volcanic ash that settled upon it around four months earlier, just to the east of St Vincent.

"This novel volcanic tag confirmed that sargassum arrives each summer at Jamaican beaches after a months-long journey drifting with currents from the central tropical Atlantic.

Dr. Hazel Oxenford, from the University of the West Indies, said: Volcanic ash collected in my garden from the St Vincent eruption was used to determine its chemical signature.

"Being able to detect those components in sargassum after it travelled more than 1,700 kilometers across the Caribbean to Jamaica was exciting.

"It confirmed our predicted transport pathway for sargassum, showed that the seaweed lives for at least four months and demonstrates the marine connectivity across the region.

Professor Mona Webber, also from the University of the West Indies, added: It is very important for Caribbean Islands being affected by the sargassum inundation to be able to benefit from its valorization.

"Understanding how the sargassum we collect in Jamaica has changed en route to our shores and factors that could affect especially the arsenic content, will propel us towards safe use of the algal biomass.

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Seaweed plaguing the Caribbean could become eco-friendly products - The Bryan Times

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Pirates Of The Caribbean Changed Completely Because Of Johnny Depp – Giant Freakin Robot

Posted: at 2:09 am

Apparently the original version of Jack Sparrow as Disney wrote the character was much more of a straightforward antihero who was supposed to be a bit menacing.

Obviously Johnny Depps interpretation of Sparrow did not align with that, and his mannerisms even early into the first Pirates of the Caribbean are much more comedic. Depp played the character very quirky and flamboyant, even creating Sparrows signature run resembling a distraught chicken.

It trickled back to me that Michael Eisner went on some sort of bent about how Godd***it Johnny Depps ruining the film! Is it drunk? Is it gay? Johnny Depp said of the early response he got to his time on Pirates of the Caribbean.

Some associated with the film truly believe the only way to salvage it was to get rid of Depp and start fresh. And so I fully expected to be fired, and I got a call from the upper echelon at Disney who were courageous enough to ask me, What the f**k are you doing?

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MERC Proposes 2024 Draft Second Amendment Regulation For Grid Interactive Rooftop Renewable Energy Systems – SolarQuarter

Posted: at 2:06 am

In Maharashtra, a significant step towards sustainable energy use is underway with a draft amendment to existing guidelines concerning Grid Interactive Rooftop Renewable Energy Systems. This second amendment enables both individual and collective setups of renewable energy systems, such as solar panels, within the same electrical distribution area, thereby enhancing accessibility and utility.

Under the revised provisions, any residential consumer can install a renewable energy system anywhere within their distribution licensees area. This flexibility allows for the generation of renewable energy through arrangements like virtual net metering. Virtual net metering is particularly innovative as it permits the energy produced by a renewable system to be shared amongst multiple consumers. For instance, members of a housing society can collectively install and benefit from a single renewable energy system. The total capacity of this system is merely the sum of what each participating consumer is eligible for, ensuring fair and equitable distribution and usage.

Moreover, these updates streamline the technical and bureaucratic processes associated with setting up new systems. Any residential installation up to 10 kW no longer requires a technical feasibility study, thus speeding up approval times. For larger setups, the rules specify a timeline for completing feasibility studies, emphasizing efficiency and responsiveness from the distribution licensees.

For energy accounting, the revisions detail a clear methodology. The energy produced is first used to offset consumption in corresponding time blocks within the billing cycle. Surplus energy is treated differently depending on the consumers time-of-day usage pattern, ensuring that credits are calculated fairly. At the end of the financial year, any unadjusted credits are handled according to specific guidelines provided, maintaining transparency and accountability in energy billing.

These modifications not only facilitate the adoption of green energy but also reflect a regulatory environment that supports innovation and consumer choice in energy sources. The updates anticipate future growth in the sector and aim to build an infrastructure that supports up to 5,000 MW of rooftop solar installations, marking a significant commitment to renewable energy in Maharashtra.

The Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) has introduced these regulations under the powers conferred by Section 61 and Section 86(3) read with Section 181 of the Electricity Act, 2003 (36 of 2003). Additionally, these regulations align with Clause 5.3 of the Tariff Policy, 2016, and other enabling powers. After previous publication, MERC has enacted the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (Grid Interactive Rooftop Renewable Energy Generating Systems) (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2024, which amend the Principal Regulations set in 2019 and the First Amendment in 2023.

One of the significant suggestions provided in these amendments is the emphasis on virtual net metering. This system is advantageous for residential consumers who may not have adequate space for individual installations. By allowing multiple residential consumers, including housing societies, to set up a common renewable energy system, the regulations promote collective energy generation and consumption. This ensures that renewable energy benefits are more widely distributed and accessible.

Another key suggestion is to simplify the process for residential installations up to 10 kW. By removing the requirement for a technical feasibility study for smaller installations, the amendments aim to reduce the administrative burden and accelerate the adoption of rooftop solar systems. This change is expected to encourage more residential consumers to invest in renewable energy, contributing to the overall sustainability goals of the state.

Furthermore, the amendments include clear and detailed guidelines for energy accounting. The approach ensures that energy production and consumption are accurately recorded, and surplus energy is credited appropriately. This transparency is crucial for building consumer trust and promoting the widespread adoption of renewable energy systems.

Overall, these regulatory updates reflect a proactive approach by the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission to support and expand the use of renewable energy. By addressing technical, administrative, and financial aspects, the amendments aim to create a conducive environment for the growth of the renewable energy sector in Maharashtra. The states commitment to increasing its rooftop solar capacity to 5,000 MW highlights its dedication to sustainable energy and reducing its carbon footprint.

Please view the document below for more details.

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Reaching absolute zero for quantum computing now much quicker thanks to breakthrough refrigerator design – Livescience.com

Posted: at 2:06 am

A breakthrough cooling technology could help invigorate quantum computing and slash costly preparation time in key scientific experiments by weeks.

Scientists often need to generate temperatures close to absolute zero for quantum computing and astronomy, among other uses. Known as the "Big Chill," such temperatures keep the most sensitive electrical instruments free from interference such as temperature changes. However, the refrigerators used to achieve these temperatures are extremely costly and inefficient.

However, scientists with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) a U.S. government agency have built a new prototype refrigerator that they claim can achieve the Big Chill much more quickly and efficiently.

The researchers published the details of their new machine April 23 in the journal Nature Communications. They claimed using it could save 27 million watts of power per year and reduce global energy consumption by $30 million.

Conventional household fridges work through a process of evaporation and condensation, per Live Science. A refrigerant liquid is pushed through a special low-pressure pipe called an "evaporator coil."

As it evaporates, it absorbs heat to cool the inside of the fridge and then passes through a compressor that turns it back into a liquid, raising its temperature as it is radiated through the back of the fridge.

Related: 'World's purest silicon' could lead to 1st million-qubit quantum computing chips

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To achieve required temperatures, scientists have used pulse tube refrigerators (PTRs) for more than 40 years. PTRs use helium gas in a similar process but with far better absorption of heat and no moving parts.

While effective, it consumes huge amounts of energy, is expensive to run, and takes a long time. However, the NIST researchers also discovered that PTRs are needlessly inefficient and can be greatly improved to reduce cooling times and lower overall cost.

In the study, the scientists said PTRs "suffer from major inefficiencies" such as being optimized "for performance only at their base temperature" usually near 4 Kelvin. It means that while cooling down, PTRs run at greatly inefficient levels, they added.

The team found that by adjusting the design of the PTR between the compressor and the refrigerator, helium was used more efficiently. While cooling down, some of it is normally pushed into a relief valve rather than being pushed around the circuit as intended.

Their proposed redesign includes a valve that contracts as the temperature drops to prevent any helium from being wasted in this way. As a result, the NIST teams modified PTR achieved the Big Chill 1.7 to 3.5 times faster, the scientists said in their paper.

In smaller experiments for prototyping quantum circuits where cooldown times are presently comparable to characterization times, dynamic acoustic optimization can substantially increase measurement throughput, the researchers wrote.

The researchers said in their study that the new method could shave at least a week off experiments at the Cryogenic Underground Observatory for Rare Events (CUORE) a facility in Italy thats used to look for rare events such as a currently theoretical form of radioactive decay. As little background noise as possible must be achieved to obtain accurate results from these facilities.

Quantum computers need a similar level of isolation. They use quantum bits, or qubits. Conventional computers store information in bits and encode data with a value of either 1 or 0 and perform calculations in sequence, but qubits occupy a superposition of 1 and 0, thanks to the laws of quantum mechanics, and can be used to process calculations in parallel. Qubits, however, are incredibly sensitive and need to be separated from as much background noise as possible including the tiny fluctuations of thermal energy.

The researchers said that even more efficient cooling methods could theoretically be achieved in the near future, which could lead to faster innovation in quantum computing space.

The team also said their their technology could alternatively be used to achieve extremely cold temperatures in the same time but at a much lower cost, which could benefit the cryogenics industry, cutting costs for non-time-intensive experiments and industrial applications. The scientists are currently working with an industrial partner to release their improved PTR commercially.

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Reaching absolute zero for quantum computing now much quicker thanks to breakthrough refrigerator design - Livescience.com

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D-Wave Quantum Set to Join Russell 3000 Index – HPCwire

Posted: at 2:06 am

PALO ALTO, Calif., May 28, 2024 D-Wave Quantum Inc., a leader in quantum computing systems, software, and services and the worlds first commercial supplier of quantum computers, today announced it is set to join the broad-market Russell 3000 Index at the conclusion of the 2024 Russell US Indexes annual Reconstitution, effective at the open of US equity markets on Monday, July 1st, 2024, according to a preliminary list of additions posted on Friday, May 24th, 2024.

The annual Russell US Indexes Reconstitution captures the 4000 largest US stocks as of Tuesday, April 30th, 2024, ranking them by total market capitalization. Membership in the US all-cap Russell 3000 Index, which remains in place for one year, means automatic inclusion in the large-cap Russell 1000 Index or small-cap Russell 2000 Index as well as the appropriate growth and value style indexes. FTSE Russell, a prominent global index provider, determines membership for its Russell indexes primarily by objective, market-capitalization rankings, and style attributes.

Its an honor for D-Wave to join the Russell 3000 Index, an important benchmark for the US stock market, said Dr. Alan Baratz, CEO of D-Wave. This recognition reflects D-Waves leadership in ushering in the era of commercial quantum computing and will greatly increase visibility among the global investor community for the innovative quantum solutions were bringing to market.

Russell indexes are widely used by investment managers and institutional investors for index funds and as benchmarks for active investment strategies. According to the data as of the end of December 2023, about $10.5 trillion in assets are benchmarked against the Russell US indexes, which belong to FTSE Russell.

Russell indexesnow in their 40th yearcontinue to evolve to reflect the dynamic US economy. Annual rebalancing plays a vital role in establishing accurate benchmarks, ensuring they correctly mirror their designated market segments and remain unbiased in terms of size and style, said Fiona Bassett, CEO of FTSE Russell, an LSEG Business.

For more information on the Russell 3000 Index and the Russell indexes Reconstitution, go to the Russell Reconstitution section on the FTSE Russell website.

About D-Wave Quantum Inc.

D-Wave is a leader in the development and delivery of quantum computing systems, software, and services, and is the worlds first commercial supplier of quantum computersand the only company building both annealing quantum computers and gate-model quantum computers. Our mission is to unlock the power of quantum computing today to benefit business and society. We do this by delivering customer value with practical quantum applications for problems as diverse as logistics, artificial intelligence, materials sciences, drug discovery, scheduling, cybersecurity, fault detection, and financial modeling. D-Waves technology has been used by some of the worlds most advanced organizations including Mastercard, Deloitte, Davidson Technologies, ArcelorMittal, Siemens Healthineers, Unisys, NEC Corporation, Pattison Food Group Ltd., DENSO, Lockheed Martin, Forschungszentrum Jlich, University of Southern California, and Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Source: D-Wave

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3 Quantum Computing Stocks to Buy Be Millionaire-Makers: May – InvestorPlace

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Dont miss out on this exceptional chance to invest in quantum computing stocks to buy that could be millionaire makers while their valuations remain low. These innovative tech companies are developing cutting-edge quantum computing systems with the potential to generate massive returns for investors who get in early.

The quantum computing stocks featured below are poised to commercialize their technology across multiple industries. Quantum computing promises to transform various sectors of our world, from financial services to medical research. Also, it may enable groundbreaking advances and discoveries that arent possible with traditional classical computing.

The three quantum computing stocks to buy outlined in this article represent the best opportunities investors have to compound their wealth to seven figures. Weve only just started to see the potential of this industry and understand the implications of this new tech.

So, here are three quantum computing stocks for investors who want to earn a potential seven-figure sum.

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Hewlett Packard Enterprise (NYSE:HPE) focuses on IT and quantum computing through its Intelligent Edge segment. The company has demonstrated significant achievements in quantum computing research.

HPEs Intelligent Edge segment provides solutions that bring computation closer to the data source. Integrating quantum computing capabilities with Intelligent Edge technologies can offer unique advantages, such as real-time data processing and enhanced decision-making capabilities at the networks edge.

Most recently, the Intelligent Edge segment reported revenue of $902 million, an increase of 9% year-over-year. This segment continues to grow, driven by strong demand for edge computing solutions. The company also achieved an EPS of $0.48, which surpassed the consensus estimate of $0.45. This compares to an EPS of $0.63 in the same quarter of the previous year.

HPE is a well-known brand akin to a more modern version of IBM (NYSE:IBM). It could be a good pick for those who like to stay with the blue-chip options while also having the potential to mint new millionaires.

IonQ (NYSE:IONQ) is a leader in developing trapped-ion quantum computers and making significant strides in the field. The company collaborates with major cloud platforms.

IonQs primary technology involves trapped-ion quantum computers, which utilize ions trapped in electromagnetic fields as qubits. This technology is known for its high-fidelity operations and stability.

Recently, IonQ achieved a milestone of 35 algorithmic qubits with its IonQ Forte system, a year ahead of schedule. This achievement allows the system to handle more sophisticated and more extensive quantum circuits. IonQs growth and technological advancements have been recognized in various industry lists, such as Fast Companys 2023 Next Big Things in Tech List and Deloittes 2023 Technology Fast 500 List.

With a market cap of just 1.79 billion, it remains a small-cap quantum computing stock that could hold significant upside potential for investors. Its developments so far have been promising, and it could prove to be a company that will make early investors rich.

Pure-play quantum computing company Rigetti Computing (NASDAQ:RGTI) is known for its vertically integrated approach. This includes designing and manufacturing quantum processors.

Rigetti has achieved a significant milestone with its 128-qubit chip, which promises to advance quantum computing capabilities and enable new applications. This development is a key part of Rigettis roadmap to scale up quantum systems and improve performance metrics.

Also, in Q1 2024, Rigetti reported a 99.3% median 2-qubit gate fidelity on its 9-qubit Ankaa-class processor. This high level of fidelity is crucial for reliable quantum computations and positions Rigetti well against competitors.

The market cap of RGTI is a fraction of IONQs at just under 200 million at the time of writing. Its progress is similarly impressive, so it could hold significant upside and potentially mint a new generation of millionaires with a large enough investment.

On the date of publication, Matthew Farley did not have (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article. The opinions expressed are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com Publishing Guidelines.

Matthew started writing coverage of the financial markets during the crypto boom of 2017 and was also a team member of several fintech startups. He then started writing about Australian and U.S. equities for various publications. His work has appeared in MarketBeat, FXStreet, Cryptoslate, Seeking Alpha, and the New Scientist magazine, among others.

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3 Quantum Computing Stocks to Buy Be Millionaire-Makers: May - InvestorPlace

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