WG Quantum Computing

The quantum computing model currently envisioned involves combining a classical processor (CPU) with a quantum processor (QPU) acting as an “accelerator” to execute expensive tasks that can benefit from substantial speedups. This heterogeneous approach mirrors the hybrid computing model used with GPUs, where computationally intensive tasks are offloaded to the GPU while smaller tasks remain with the CPU. Consequently, classical and quantum architectures will be inextricably linked in the future of HPC. 

Quantum algorithms can benefit high-performance computing, offering potentially exponential speedups in areas such as linear algebra, optimization, and partial differential equations. The WG also addresses new programming models methods and hybrid CPU-QPU workflows, thereby enabling the practical integration of quantum algorithms into HPC applications. 

Classical HPC can also accelerate specific quantum tasks which require classical resources, for instance the compilation of quantum circuits or matrix decompositions to encode classical data into quantum memory, and the simulation of quantum algorithms on classical machines (e.g., using tensor network techniques). 

Another objective of the WG is to build a new community centered on hybrid quantum-classical computing through information exchange, seminars, workshops, and more. Note that the WG also includes industry players and startups eager to showcase technological innovation in quantum computing and present real-world use cases (across sectors such as industry, banking and insurance,…).

Lead: Marc Baboulin

Mailing list: c4p-gt-quantique@groupes.renater.fr (subscribe to the working group on myGDR to join the mailing list)