Iran’s recent announcement of a “quantum processor” has turned out to be nothing more than a deceptive marketing ploy. The Imam Khomeini University of Marine Sciences and Technologies (RA) proudly unveiled what they claimed to be the “first product of the quantum processing algorithm.” However, upon closer inspection, it became evident that their so-called quantum processor was, in fact, a readily available development board.
The unveiling ceremony, attended by Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, showcased a visually appealing board with an intricate radial circuitry pattern. Yet, it quickly became apparent that the design was too rudimentary to possess any genuine quantum processing capabilities. Gabriel Noronha, a former US Department of State advisor on Iran, exposed the truth behind the facade, revealing that the board in question was a ZedBoard Zynq-7000 development SoC available for purchase on Amazon for a mere $589.
The board’s real specifications make it abundantly evident that it is insufficient for activities requiring quantum processing. It lacks the processing capacity necessary for quantum operations, having just 256GB of storage, 512MB of DDR3 RAM, and a dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 processor.
None of the board’s intended uses, despite the fact that they include software acceleration, motor control, and video processing, are even vaguely connected to quantum computing. By suggesting the board’s utility in addressing algorithmic deceit in surface vessel location systems, the Iranian news agency Tasnim tried to salvage the situation. This justification, however, seems improbable and does not support the incorrect assertions stated.
This incident is not the first time Iran has been caught making exaggerated claims about technological breakthroughs. In the past, the country touted the development of a fake COVID-19 detector, which turned out to be part of a known scam prevalent in the Middle East.
It is disappointing to see such attempts to deceive and mislead, especially in the realm of technological innovation. Genuine advancements in quantum computing are highly anticipated, but they require rigorous research, development, and expertise. The scientific community and technology enthusiasts should remain vigilant against such false claims and rely on credible sources to stay informed about legitimate advancements in the field of quantum computing.