Hybrid compilation framework to accelerate quantum application development (CATALYST)

Quantum computers are new types of powerful computers that are based on building blocks called qubits, that carry information in a more effective way than the bits on a conventional computer. Quantum computers have the potential to achieve computational times that are orders of magnitude faster than conventional computers.

While qubits work differently from conventional bits, the computation workflow is somewhat similar: when we wish to run an algorithm, we write some lines of code that get translated into the so-called quantum circuit which then enacts a series of operations on the qubits before delivering a result. However, at the moment, this process is far from optimal, and the times needed for the pre-quantum steps required to run a calculation are prohibitively high. For quantum computers to become commercially useful, we need to not only optimise the algorithms we want to run and minimise the resources they need, but also reduce the time needed to translate them into a series of operations that can be then run on the qubits.

While this constitutes an important problem for quantum computers, so far very little work has been done to address it. Another problem is that the quantum industry is currently very fragmented and still in its early stage of development.

This project brings together leading quantum software and hardware companies from the UK and Canada - Riverlane and Xanadu - to help solve the technical challenge of improving the quality of the quantum algorithms and making them run easier, faster and better on the qubits. Riverlane will work on implementing techniques that allow algorithms to run using less resources, while Xanadu will develop a new hybrid classical-quantum compiler that will significantly decrease the calculation times and will allow users to use the appropriate resources in an optimal way. Rolls-Royce, a leader in power and propulsion systems will lead this project, providing real-world testcases that cannot be solved by today's quantum computers. Rolls-Royce will also develop new application software to best exploit the Riverlane and Xanadu developments.

The partners will work together to combine improvements in quantum software, hardware and algorithms to significantly improve the runtime and results when running quantum algorithms. Our project brings together companies from UK and Canada to help develop quantum computers that will transform the way several sectors, such as finance, pharmaceuticals, aerospace etc. design and develop their products.