As the fourth anniversary of the IBM Quantum Experience approaches, the company is launching a challenge with four exercises, aimed at improving the understanding of quantum circuits.

The IBM Quantum Challenge begins today, with access being given over the next few days to IBM's quantum computing resources.

Jay Gambetta, an IBM fellow and vice president of quantum computing, explained in a blog post that on 4 May, 2016, his team introduced the first quantum computer that could be programmed over the cloud. "We wanted everyone to be able to experience a quantum computer, even individuals without access to an academic research lab.

"Today, we have 18 quantum systems and counting available to our clients and community," he continued, adding: "Over 200,000 users, including more than 100 IBM Q Network client partners, have joined us to conduct fundamental research on quantum information science, develop the applications of quantum computing in various industries, and educate the future quantum workforce."

Additionally, 175 billion quantum circuits have been executed using IBM hardware, resulting in more than 200 publications by researchers around the world.

The company has also been driving the development of open source quantum software. Qiskit, written primarily in Python, has grown to be a popular quantum computing software development kit with several novel features, many of which were contributed by 'Qiskitters'.

The statement explained that in recognition of participation, IBM will award digital badges and provide additional sponsorship to the Python Software Foundation.

"Trying to explain quantum computing without resorting to incorrect analogies has always been a goal for our team," said Gambetta. "As a result, we have continuously invested in education, starting with opening access to quantum computers, and continuing to create tools that enable anyone to program them."

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