Press Releases

Kipu Quantum and QuEra Collaborate to Tackle Large-Scale Quantum Optimization Problems

KARLSRUHE, GERMANY, and BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, June 28, 2023 – Kipu Quantum GmbH, a quantum software developer, and QuEra Computing, the leader in neutral-atom quantum computers, announced a new collaboration designed to tackle large-scale optimization problems. QuEra and Kipu Quantum are combining QuEra’s hardware and Kipu Quantum’s algorithms to solve optimization use cases involving a large number of qubits, with the goal of finding a new path towards quantum advantage using neutral atom hardware.
Kipu Quantum is focused on developing application- and hardware-specific algorithms that are commercialized as enterprise solutions. These algorithms rely on a one-of-a-kind digital and digital-analog compression technology requiring orders of magnitude less circuit depth to solve a given problem. With this, Kipu Quantum has the unique ability to solve industrially relevant problems one decade earlier than competing approaches by leveraging small- and medium-sized quantum processors. Even on today’s hardware, Kipu Quantum holds several performance records in use cases such as protein folding, portfolio optimization, and logistics modeling. For QuEra’s neutral atom system, Kipu Quantum is developing hardware-specific counter-diabatic methods to enhance the currently existing analog approaches further. In addition, Kipu Quantum aims to combine digital and analog encoding methods resulting in even further compressed algorithms, and expects these algorithms, in combination with incrementally improved hardware, to provide industrially useful applications in the near future. QuEra has built and operates the world’s largest publicly-accessible quantum computer, a 256-qubit machine that is available via Amazon Braket or directly from QuEra. QuEra’s technology is built on large-scale arrays of neutral atoms, which are laser-cooled to microkelvin temperatures and held in place by movable optical tweezers. Through QuEra’s unique Field Programmable Quantum Array (FPQATM) technology, the atoms can be arranged in nearly any configuration to solve industry-relevant optimization problems. The solution to the problem is natively encoded into the collective quantum state of the atoms after an analog evolution. This platform is ideally suited for scalable analog quantum computing, with a clear technology roadmap leading to large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers with millions of qubits. QuEra and Kipu Quantum are combining QuEra’s hardware and Kipu Quantum’s algorithms to solve optimization use cases involving a large number of qubits, with the goal of finding a new path towards quantum advantage using neutral atom hardware. A recent McKinsey article points to optimization using neutral atoms as a way to achieve early quantum value, with quantum-powered optimization emerging as an important early use case for industries such as telecommunications, logistics, autonomous driving and pharmaceutical research “We have very high expectations on the results that will be possible by combining Kipu Quantum’s expertise in quantum algorithms with QuEra’s leading position in hardware development. Our common motivation is to approach quantum advantage to industry use cases as soon as possible. I am convinced that our QuEra and Kipu Quantum teams will complement perfectly in bringing our technologies to the customers,“ said Prof. Enrique Solano, co-founder and Chief Visionary Officer at Kipu Quantum.

“As a global leader in quantum algorithms rooted in Europe, we are excited that QuEra, as the US powerhouse in neutral atoms, shares our vision of realizing industrially useful quantum computing already in the coming years. I am convinced our teams will leverage incredible synergies and come up with groundbreaking results,” said Dr. Daniel Volz, co-founder and CEO at Kipu Quantum.

“The collaboration with Kipu Quantum marks another exciting milestone in our journey to bring the most useful quantum computing solution development to customers.,” said Alex Keesling, CEO of QuEra Computing. “Our neutral atom computer is ideally suited for optimization problems because we can utilize the geometric arrangement of the qubits to encode many constraints that are currently impractical to implement using gate-based systems. By pushing the boundaries together with Kipu Quantum, we will be able to provide better solutions to larger problems, providing substantial benefits to our customers. As we continue on our path to large-scale fault-tolerant quantum computers, we are excited to work closely with customers and partners to identify the most useful applications of quantum computing at every stage of its evolution.”

About QuEra Computing


QuEra Computing is the leader in commercializing advanced quantum computers based on neutral atoms. The company developed and operates the world’s largest publicly-accessible quantum computer, available for general use over the Amazon Braket cloud. Based in Boston, QuEra is built on pioneering research recently conducted nearby at both Harvard University and MIT. The company is developing large-scale fault-tolerant quantum computers to tackle classically intractable problems for commercially relevant applications. Simply put, QuEra is the best way to quantum. For more information, visit us at quera.com and follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn.


About Kipu Quantum GmbH


Kipu Quantum is a German startup operating at the intersection of the quantum computer hardware and application software layers, with disruptive technological and algorithmic solutions for industries worldwide. Founded in 2021, Kipu Quantum’s approach has the potential to solve industry-relevant problems in the order of 1,000-5,000 physical qubits due to novel algorithmic compression methods. Kipu Quantum’s technology is compatible with all leading quantum hardware technologies. The company is currently testing its technology in use cases for the logistics and telecommunications industries as well as in applications for the pharmaceutical, chemical, artificial intelligence, and finance sectors.
To learn more about Kipu Quantum, visit www.kipu-quantum.com


For QuEra
Merrill Freund
merrill@freundpr.com
415-577-8637