Collaboration to Boost Quantum Computing in Industrial Applications
Quantinuum, Rolls-Royce, Riverlane, and the EPCC, based at the University of Edinburgh, have teamed up to explore how quantum computing can enhance future industrial processes, particularly in designing gas turbines.
Gas turbine design relies heavily on complex fluid dynamics simulations, which can be incredibly demanding on computing resources, especially as models grow in complexity. To tackle this challenge, the partners will investigate how quantum computers can work alongside supercomputers to improve the modeling of fluid dynamics in gas turbines.
This partnership, expected to last several years, will allow each organization to play a distinct role. Quantinuum will share its quantum systems and software tools, while Rolls-Royce will offer insights from industrial design and expertise. Riverlane will provide knowledge on quantum error correction and algorithms, and the EPCC will focus on supercomputing and integrating hybrid workflows.
EPCC’s contribution is particularly significant, as they will study how parts of an algorithm can be processed using both classical and quantum computing resources. This includes the necessary steps before and after these hybrid computing tasks.
The team aims to test essential components for quantum algorithms relevant to industry on Quantinuum’s Helios quantum computer and evaluate how these could scale with future systems.
Dr. Rajeeb Hazra, president and CEO of Quantinuum, commented, “Simulating complex fluid dynamics poses considerable challenges in industrial design. Exploring how quantum computing can support today’s supercomputers is a vital step towards overcoming these challenges. This partnership will help us develop and refine the hybrid quantum-classical algorithms needed for the future.”
This project builds on previous collaborations among Rolls-Royce, Riverlane, and EPCC, which established a foundation for understanding the necessary algorithms, error correction, and data needs for utilizing commercial quantum computers in fluid dynamics simulations.
