Making noisy quantum processors practical

We're thrilled to be leading the UK component of the R&D project "Making noisy quantum processors practical: from theory to applications", which is part of the UK Canada Quantum Technology Programme, and funded by InnovateUK.

Quantum computing is a technology with immense potential. We anticipate that quantum computers will solve currently inaccessible problems in materials modelling, among other areas, which could unlock new technologies such as higher-performance batteries and more efficient solar cells. Unfortunately, state-of-the-art quantum processors still suffer from errors caused by unwanted interaction of fragile qubits with their environment. In our project, we are developing robust implementations of quantum algorithms that can run successfully on today's error-prone quantum processors.

Our project unites experts in industry and academia with extensive experience in quantum computing research, including our world-leading expertise in designing error-resilient algorithms for near-term quantum computing hardware. The other industrial partner is Quantum Benchmark, a quantum software start-up based in Kitchener (Canada). Quantum Benchmark is the leading provider of software tools for characterizing the errors that occur in different quantum processors, delivering a deep understanding of the capabilities and limitations of different quantum processors. The academic partners are the University of Waterloo, University College London, and Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics. All three are leading quantum computing research centres, with particular strength in the fields of quantum error correction and fault-tolerant quantum computing.

Together, our work will hasten the demonstration of quantum advantage for industrially relevant problems such as the simulation of quantum systems, thereby realizing the potential of quantum computing.

We are at a very exciting time in quantum computing: we now have quantum computers that cannot be simulated by classical computers, but it’s still unclear whether today’s quantum computers will be practically useful. In our project, we will develop robust implementations of quantum algorithms that can run successfully on today’s error-prone quantum computers. This will speed up the demonstration of quantum advantage for industrially relevant problems such as the simulation of quantum systems. I am thrilled to be working with leading industrial partners, both in the UK and Canada. Phasecraft are experts on building software for near-term quantum computers, enabling them to solve currently intractable problems with important applications.

- Dr Michael Vasmer, Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics & Institute for Quantum Computing