As a partner in the SEQUOIA project, HLRS is working closely with the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering (Fraunhofer IAO) on research to better understand the capabilities and potential applications of quantum computing. The project, which is part of the Competence Center "Quantum Computing Baden-Württemberg," is using an IBM Q System One quantum computer installed at IBM's German headquarters in nearby Ehningen. HLRS is currently engaged in research to address the following needs.

Software for algorithms designed for traditional high-performance computing and artificial intelligence applications can not simply be ported onto a quantum computer. HLRS researchers are therefore evaluating and optimizing existing algorithms for simulation and AI to run efficiently on quantum systems.

While quantum computers promise to be faster at running certain applications, researchers expect that, in the near term, hybrid approaches that combine quantum computing and high-performance computing will be required until quantum computing becomes powerful enough to solve problems on its own. One of the main challenges to achieving this goal is the problem of moving data seamlessly between quantum computers and other kinds of systems. HLRS scientists are engaged in research to develop, evaluate, and test solutions for implementing hybrid approaches using quantum computers.

HLRS is also investigating what specific opportunities quantum computing could offer for industry, including application areas in which it could present advantages over classical computing systems. Identifying these opportunities now will place relevant segments in industry in a position to begin taking advantage of quantum computing as soon as more powerful systems become available.