On June 8, a photo circulated the globe showing an Iranian admiral holding what was claimed to be a quantum processor in front of the camera. However, experts on the internet pointed out: that was not a quantum processor, but a hardware part available for 550 € on Amazon. About a month later, Iran admits the mistake.
What kind of photo was that?
- A rear admiral held a circuit board during a presentation. The University of Marine Science and Technology of Iran referred to it as the “first products with a quantum processor algorithm.”
- But the international tech community quickly recognized: that was not a quantum processor, but a motherboard, the “ZedBOard Zynq-70000,” which can be purchased for about 600 $ on Amazon. A tweet from a former advisor to the US State Department for Iran, Gabriel Noronha, revealed the truth.
- Now, a spokesperson for the involved Iranian university explains what exactly happened.
University must correct itself on several points
What is the explanation? A statement from the vice-chancellor of the Marine University begins with “In the name of God, the Merciful” (via tasminnews):
- Some scientists and the media noted problems during a presentation. They want to clarify this now.
- The term “quantum-processing algorithm” for the QPSO-LTSM algorithm is technically incorrect.
- Moreover, it led to misunderstandings, as another FGPA board was shown at the conference. Hence, the impression was created that the board was a quantum processor. This is not the case.
- Nevertheless, the principle of the algorithm is important for the security of the Navy.
- Ultimately, they thank the community for being so attentive.
Why exactly this board, which is available for purchase on Amazon, was held in front of the camera remains unclear. Why they even referred to it as a “quantum processor” when it apparently has nothing to do with the subject they wanted to present is also not explained in the statement.
The university seems to admit mistakes, but does not explain how it happened and what they intended to achieve. They only emphasize that the research is somehow important.
It seems clear that the rear admiral had no idea what exactly he was holding in front of the camera.
How is this perceived? On Twitter, the presentation of the quantum processor in June was dissected. The presentation was seen as part of an attempt to portray Iran as technically extremely advanced to laymen, which upon closer inspection turned out to be mere smoke and mirrors and propaganda.
More about the incident and why quantum processors are important:
Iran presents impressive quantum processor – But it is a motherboard available for 555 € on Amazon
