Quanscient awarded First Prize in Fujitsu’s Global Quantum Simulator Challenge

Quanscient, a Finnish quantum technology firm, has been announced as the victor of the Fujitsu Quantum Simulator Challenge, with a prize of $100,000.

This international contest called upon the quantum industry and academic community to explore the capabilities of Fujitsu's 39 qubit quantum simulator through unique problems and applications, with the goal of advancing research in quantum technologies. Quanscient emerged victorious with its project that honed in on quantum algorithms for fluid dynamics.

The company is at the forefront of creating a groundbreaking simulation technology that leverages Cloud and quantum computing to enable cutting-edge multiphysics simulations. Quanscient Allsolve, its flagship product, stands as the premiere multiphysics simulation software in terms of speed. This software facilitates a fully digital research and development process through a distinctive blend of native multiphysics algorithms, sophisticated Cloud computing, and the potential for future quantum integration.

In the context of the Fujitsu challenge, Quanscient's award-winning effort was dedicated to exploring quantum algorithms for fluid dynamics. The team embarked on research into the efficacy of complex fluid simulations by utilising quantum techniques within the realm of fluid dynamics. Their focus was on the development of quantum algorithms that could find applications in the manufacturing sectors of vehicles, ships, and aircraft, in addition to biomedicine.

"This achievement not only underscores our expertise in quantum computing but also reinforces our role in addressing challenges in complex simulations,” says Quanscient’s Chief Scientist, Dr. Valtteri Lahtinen.

"Quanscient's winning project demonstrated the remarkable potential of quantum algorithms in addressing societal challenges. Quanscient’s pioneering work in applying quantum techniques to the field of fluid dynamics holds a multitude of prospective applications. We eagerly look forward to witnessing their future innovations,” says Hideto Okada, Head of Technology Strategy Unit of Fujitsu.

Pioneering progress in quantum algorithm development

Quanscient has swiftly achieved notable progress in the development of quantum algorithms, alongside its cloud-native multiphysics simulation capabilities. The company's quantum team, recognised for its expertise in the quantum lattice Boltzmann method (QLBM) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD), has become the first globally to conduct a multiphysics simulation using real quantum hardware. Quanscient now offers tailored quantum algorithm development and licensing opportunities for its pilot customers.

In 2022, Quanscient initiated research into Quantum lattice Boltzmann methods for quantum computing, successfully conducting 1D simulations on an actual quantum computer. The team subsequently moved on to 2D simulations and refined algorithms for more extensive simulations. By 2023, they had developed the Navier-Stokes solver and an imaginary time quantum linear solver, and conducted research into lattice gas automata.

The firm's forthcoming objective is to pioneer 3D simulations by executing a 3D quantum lattice Boltzmann simulation on an actual quantum device. Quanscient plans to undertake comprehensive quantum lattice Boltzmann simulations in partnership with leading quantum computer manufacturers, shedding light on the capabilities of current quantum devices.

Quanscient's quantum simulations are poised to meet the surging demand for complex research and development solutions. Emerging technologies, such as fusion energy and quantum hardware, stand to gain significantly from quantum simulations. Moreover, design complexity is escalating in various sectors, including aerospace, automotive, and electronics, underscoring the growing relevance of these advancements.

“Our long-term quantum computing vision involves transitioning much of global computational fluid dynamics to quantum computing for its efficiency and lower CO2 emissions. We aim to expand our quantum algorithms to cover different physics types, which could enable currently unfeasible simulations, such as real-time digital twins of complete fusion power plants and airplanes. We aim to integrate our pioneering quantum algorithms into our simulation products in the next couple of years” Lahtinen explains.