Pasqal, a French company that is pioneering neutral atom-based quantum computing systems, has signed a multi-year research collaboration with Siemens Digital Industries Software to advance the field of quantum computational multiphysics simulation. Pasqal’s proprietary quantum methods to solve complex nonlinear differential equations are expected to enhance the performance of Siemens’ software solutions.
The first phase of the collaboration will last three-and-a-half years and will involve researchers from both companies and from Exeter University in the UK, Pasqal’s academic partner. The project is fully funded by Siemens and includes a sponsored academic working in the research group of theoretical physics professor Oleksandr Kyriienko.
The quantum computing technology works by controlling neutral atoms (atoms possessing an equal number of electrons and protons) with optical ‘tweezers’, using laser light to engineer full-stack processors with high scalability, connectivity and long coherence times. The software-agnostic quantum processing units can operate at room temperature with low energy consumption, which Pasqal says allows it to address complex problems more efficiently than classical computers.
The project builds on Pasqal’s existing body of research in the field, including its methods for solving nonlinear differential equations. For years, it was uncertain whether quantum computers could outperform classical computers in this field, but Pasqal’s recent progress makes these methods promising candidates for near-term quantum advantage, not least because Pasqal researchers developed a novel digital-analog implementation tailored to its neutral-atoms quantum processors, which makes these implementations 30 times more efficient than when conducted on superconducting quantum processors.
“Our collaboration with Siemens will explore how quantum computing can benefit Siemens’ customers who are looking for more accurate ‘digital-twin’ prototyping, which can reduce the need for costly and time-consuming physical prototyping in sectors like automotive, electronics, energy and aerospace,” said Georges-Olivier Reymond, CEO and founder of Pasqal. “We’re proud to collaborate with Siemens, a technology giant and innovator, to apply and expand our quantum solutions to solve real-world problems with significant business impact.”
The collaboration will allow Siemens to leverage Pasqal’s quantum solutions and expertise to fast-track the development of quantum enhanced solutions for its customers. “We look forward to seeing how quantum computing can yield a significant near-term benefit for our clients,” said Jean Claude Ercolanelli, SVP, simulation and test solutions at Siemens Digital Industries Software. “Pasqal’s algorithms for solving differential equations and its neutral atom quantum processors are ideally suited to solve the computational problems that are most relevant and challenging for our clients. We look forward to working with Pasqal to advance this field.”
