Quantum computers have the potential to produce tremendous improvements in computational performance for a wide range of problems in various fields, including optimisation, machine learning, chemistry, finance, and healthcare. As the performance of quantum hardware improves, so does the possibility of implementing quantum algorithms that outperform their classical counterparts. There is currently an ongoing race amongst various academic research groups, companies, and national research labs to produce the first demonstration of a practical quantum advantage – a milestone in which a quantum computer solves a problem of practical interest with a performance that classical computers cannot match.
Such a demonstration would involve:
1) using actual quantum hardware to run such a quantum algorithm,
2) showing that classical computers cannot perform as well.
At IHPC, we take a holistic hardware-agnostic full-stack approach that aims to harnesses the power of quantum computers to produce a practical quantum advantage. We aim to develop end-to-end full-stack solutions that bridge the gap between end-users problem statements and quantum-accelerated solutions optimally deployed on near-term quantum hardware by leveraging our existing expertise in HPC modelling and simulations and AI, as well as our vibrant developments in the field of quantum computing.
Together with the Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT) at the National University of Singapore and the National Supercomputing Centre (NSCC) Singapore, IHPC is also a founding member of the
National Quantum Computing Hub (NQCH), one of the three national platforms launched by Singapore's Quantum Engineering Programme (QEP), focusing on developing quantum computing capabilities and exploring applications through industry collaborations. IHPC will contribute our expertise in computational science, high performance computing, artificial intelligence and optimisation to this ecosystem effort. This will include work on algorithms and middleware for academia and industry applications.