#USA #Broomfield #Rolls-Royce #Quantinuum #Riverlane

Exploring Quantum Computing for Industrial Design and Simulation

In a groundbreaking initiative, Quantinuum, Rolls-Royce, Riverlane, and the University of Edinburgh have united in a landmark agreement focused on harnessing quantum computing to advance industrial design and simulations. This collaboration aims to unleash the power of fault-tolerant quantum computing to enhance complex fluid dynamics simulations, which are crucial in the design of gas turbines.

This alliance marks a significant stride towards integrating advanced quantum technologies into practical industrial applications. Each partner brings unique expertise to the table: Quantinuum will leverage its state-of-the-art quantum systems and software environment; Rolls-Royce contributes extensive experience in industrial design use cases; Riverlane offers insights into quantum error correction and fault-tolerant algorithms; and EPCC (Edinburgh Parallel Computing Centre) infuses its high-performance computing knowledge into this complex project.

The complexity involved in simulating fluid dynamics often demands substantial computational resources, especially as models become increasingly sophisticated. By exploring how fault-tolerant quantum computers can complement existing supercomputer capabilities, this multi-year collaboration will endeavor to overcome these challenges and model fluid dynamics with unprecedented accuracy.

Dr. Rajeeb Hazra, President and CEO of Quantinuum, emphasized the significance of this project, stating, "The computational demands of simulating complex fluid dynamics present a major challenge in industrial design, and examining how quantum computing can enhance current supercomputers is a critical step toward addressing it." This partnership is seen as vital for developing and validating quantum-classical hybrid algorithms necessary for future industrial applications.

Key computational elements related to industry-relevant quantum algorithms will be tested on Quantinuum’s Helios quantum computer, with assessments on how these algorithms could be scaled in upcoming systems such as Sol and Apollo. This exploration is built upon prior collaborations between Rolls-Royce, Riverlane, and EPCC, laying a foundation to understand essential algorithm requirements, error correction protocols, and the data necessary to tackle fluid dynamics simulations with commercial quantum computers.

Leigh Lapworth, a Researcher at Rolls-Royce, celebrated this initiative, stating, "For almost five years, we have been developing and refining algorithms for fault-tolerant hybrid applications with Riverlane, utilizing classical emulators in collaboration with EPCC. This agreement initiates an exciting phase where we seek to implement them on Quantinuum’s hardware." He further added that the development of such applications is a long-term endeavor, emphasizing the necessity to start now in collaboratively developing algorithms, hardware, and software if they aim to fully exploit the advantages of teraQuOp devices.

“We bring expertise in quantum error correction (QEC), the key technology that will eventually enable large-scale fault-tolerant quantum computing and fault-tolerant applications across various sectors,” said Steve Brierley, CEO and Founder of Riverlane. “By leveraging our experience with Rolls-Royce and EPCC, the partnership with Quantinuum will assist us in investigating how fault-tolerant quantum computing and hybrid approaches can fast-track the path towards industrial quantum computing.”

EPCC will utilize its expertise in high-performance computing, simulations, and software interfaces to connect classical and quantum systems, identifying how to compile, emulate, and execute different components of algorithms using available classical and quantum resources. This includes addressing pre-processing and post-processing needs crucial for hybrid computational workflows.

Oliver Thomson Brown, head of the Quantum Group at EPCC, remarked, "Quantum computing will be more valuable when users can exploit it within a broader computational environment. Since my appointment as Chancellor's Fellow in 2023, EPCC has been integrating high-performance computing (HPC) with quantum computing." He highlighted that this project aligns perfectly with EPCC's mission to accelerate the effective use of new computing technologies across industry and academia.

The UK’s quantum computing initiative aims to develop accessible quantum computers capable of performing one trillion error-free operations, known as ‘teraQuOp’ systems. This collaboration, with its anticipated multi-year timeline, supports the UK government's quantum computing mission and reflects the robust maturity of the British quantum computing ecosystem that is transitioning from fundamental research to practical hybrid applications relevant in industry.

About Quantinuum

Quantinuum stands as a leader in quantum computing, providing a comprehensive platform designed to implement quantum computing in practical environments. The company has commercially deployed several generations of trapped ion-based quantum systems, built on an established QCCD architecture, renowned for its innovative designs and capabilities that offer the highest precision levels in the industry based on average two-qubit gate fidelity. Quantinuum actively collaborates with market leaders across the pharmaceutical, materials science, financial services, government, and industry sectors, as well as academic and research institutions globally. With a workforce of roughly 700 employees, including prominent scientists and researchers (over 70% hold PhDs or master’s degrees), the company is poised to lead the charge in quantum technology. Their headquarters is located in Broomfield, Colorado, with additional facilities across the US, UK, Germany, Japan, Qatar, and Singapore.