Europe aims to take leadership role in quantum computing – EE Times

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The topic of quantum computing dominated the entire day at the recent PUZZLE Visionary speakers such as Marta Estarellas (Qilimanjaro) have served as speakers.

This is just the tip of the iceberg.

Several European companies and research institutions are already exploring the possibility of hybrid approaches, combining the existing capabilities of basic quantum computers with their binary counterparts to optimize port logistics, flight schedules, urban deliveries and television advertising programmes.

The next step is to harness the power of quantum computing in life sciences, focusing on cancer research, developing new drugs and creating digital twins of the human body.

In a major development, the European Joint Venture for High Performance Computing (EuroHPC JU) recently selected six locations within the EU to host the first European quantum computers. The computers will be integrated into the EuroHPC supercomputer, using technology from European companies. The US$100 million (approximately $110 million) program, funded equally by the EU and the 17 countries participating in the EuroHPC JU, aims to solve complex problems in materials development, drug discovery, weather forecasting, transportation and other critical real-world problems. question.

According to the European Commission website, due to its huge computing power, it will solve complex simulation and optimization problems, especially in materials development, drug discovery, weather forecasting, transportation and other real-world problems of high importance to industry and society.未來幾年，歐盟和成員國之間將建立進一步的協同效應，進一步部署世界一流的量子生態系統，從而實現我們的「數位十年」目標，即到2025 年交付第一台具有量子加速功能的calculator.

European companies have already built quantum computers

In Europe’s push for quantum computing, two well-known companies stand out: Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC) and Barcelona-based Qilimanjaro.

OQC has made significant progress, notably with the launch of Toshiko, a 32-qubit quantum computer integrated into enterprise-ready locations, including hosted data centers.

In a recent interview with EE Times, OQC chief technology officer Simon Phillips stressed the importance of integrating with existing digital infrastructure. He said this marks a major leap forward in quantum computing and unlocks new possibilities.

OQC’s commitment to advancing quantum technologies is reflected in its collaborations and efforts to make quantum computing more accessible through initiatives such as the Quantum Assembly Toolchain (QAT).

Phillips highlighted partnerships in Japan with Quanmatic and Early Inada University, which is focused on developing quantum algorithms for OQC gated quantum computers.

He said that this cooperation aims to accelerate the development of real-world applications, first extending Quanmatics approximation algorithms to gate-based systems, allowing customers to speed up the solution of optimization problems.

“One of our main goals at OQC is to get quantum into human hands, and releasing our QAT is an important step toward that goal,” Phillips said. By providing open source access to this package and making it available for everyone to install and use, we enable many people to gain hands-on experience with quantum compilation, helping to unlock the development of more quantum-enabled workflows and applications.

Catalonia-based Qilimanjaro is carving out its own niche on a parallel track by focusing on simulated quantum computing.

Qilimanjaro CEO Marta Estarellas said that although digital quantum chips are versatile, they have limitations due to discrete control and systematic errors. The Qilimanjaros approach involves co-designing a full-scale quantum solution (QASIC) based on superconducting flux qubits and developing a roadmap for the development of a new generation of analog quantum devices.

The simulation model includes adiabatic and simulated operations. Adiabatic treatment involves encoding the Hamiltonian problem, providing continuous control and efficient solutions to optimization problems. Simulation focuses on dynamic systems and has applications in data science and machine learning. The continuous control of the simulation model and the natural evolution of the system reduce errors, making it more feasible in the short term. However, its general applicability is limited to adiabatic algorithms.

Soon, Qilimanjaro will install two quantum computers at the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC) and plans to participate in more European tenders to install quantum computers at high-performance computing (HPC) centers.

Once the installation at the BSC headquarters is complete, Spain will have the first purely European quantum computer in Southern Europe for public use, integrated with the MareNostrum 5 supercomputer, the most powerful in Southern Europe and the most advanced in the world.

global security risks

The global security landscape is also feeling the impact of quantum advances, with the Five Eyes intelligence agency expressing concerns about China’s activities in quantum computing.

The potential threat lies in adversaries exploiting the data now and decrypting it when quantum computers mature.

This adds a layer of urgency to the continued development of quantum computing, emphasizing the need to remain vigilant in the face of changing geopolitical dynamics.

Europe needs to take a leadership role

As quantum computing gains momentum, concerns about global security intensify, highlighting the need for vigilance and international cooperation.

The interplay between geopolitical dynamics and quantum advances further highlights the technology’s transformative potential. Europe is committed to achieving quantum milestones and ensuring a competitive quantum ecosystem, making it an important player in the evolving quantum era.

The European Commission’s acknowledgment of quantum computing as the focus of potential limitations underscores the growing importance of the technology. EuroHPC JU’s investment in six sites hosting European quantum computers reflects a commitment to solving real-world challenges.