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Q2 2022 Wrap-Up

Published by

Henrique Silvério

,

June 30, 2022

We qualified the first quarter as exciting. The second quarter also delivered its wave of great news.

One of the main news was the selection of PASQAL to provide two neutral atoms quantum computers to the pan-European HPCQS project. HPCQS is a four-year hybrid HPC/quantum pilot project. It aims to develop, deploy and coordinate a cloud-based European federated infrastructure. PASQAL’s quantum computers will be installed during the second half of 2023, in the HPC systems Joliot–Curie of GENCI, operated at CEA/TGCC, and in the JUWELS modular supercomputer at the Jülich Supercomputing Centre (JSC). GENCI’s contract for the acquisition of its quantum computer from PASQAL was officially signed on June 17, in the presence of the Secretary General for Investment, Bruno Bonnell, and the Ministry of Education and Research.  PASQAL is deeply honored that its Neutral atoms quantum computers have been selected by the HPCQS alliance to form the heart of the first European hybrid (quantum-classical) HPC infrastructure. The goal is to contribute to positioning the European HPC community at the forefront of the quantum revolution.  

We also announced the opening of offices in Boston (U.S.) and in Sherbrooke (Canada), in order to strengthen our position in the North American market. PASQAL named Catherine Lefebvre to lead North American business development. As VP Strategic Business Development North America, Catherine will be based in the Boston office to help drive the company’s commercial and strategic partnership efforts and serve as the primary point of contact for U.S.-based clients and partners. PASQAL’s Canadian office is located in the Quantum Innovation Zone in Sherbrooke. This new subsidiary will allow Pasqal to collaborate with both academic institutions and industry to grow its business in Canada and develop new commercial applications in such areas as smart cities, energy and materials science.

Another exciting topic, on the tech side, was the announcement of the first neutral atoms quantum computer available on the cloud, thanks to our cloud-based platform, called PASQAL Cloud Services. Our customers now have direct access to full stack neutral atoms quantum computers, with the aim of accelerating their development in HPC. PASQAL’s quantum processors are programmable using Pulser, an open-source framework for neutral atoms. Pulser gives pulse-level control over the QPUs. For now, PASQAL Cloud Services is in private beta. The first 2 customers accessing the platform are CA CIB and CINECA. Later in 2022, PASQAL will open access to its cloud services.

Several blog posts were shared on our Medium page during the second quarter of 2022. The most successful one enlightens the interest of analog quantum computing. The analog mode forged the early successes of classical computing. And the first results of analog quantum computations are raising attention as a promising candidate for near term quantum advantage. At PASQAL, there is no debate about analog vs digital. We are vetting for the best of both worlds. Analog computing for its short-term results and its potential to provide the first quantum advantage. And the gate-based approach for its flexibility and universality that industries will look for in the future. More info here.

Based on its development strategy and on its technical achievement, it is clear PASQAL focuses on customers. In April, we announced Siemens is collaborating with PASQAL to research quantum applications in computer aided engineering, simulation and testing. The first phase of the collaboration will last 3.5 years and will involve researchers from both companies and from Exeter University, PASQAL’s academic partner. The project builds on PASQAL’s existing expertise in methods for solving nonlinear differential equations. For years, it was uncertain whether quantum computers were able to outperform classical computers in this field, but PASQAL’s recent progress makes these methods promising candidates for near-term quantum advantage.

In May, BMW Group and Pasqal announced expanding their collaboration to apply quantum computing to improve car design and manufacturing. For now, the main topic of the collaboration is to analyze the applicability of quantum computing to metal forming applications modeling. These applications require extensive simulations to ensure auto parts conform to specifications. PASQAL’s researchers have developed a digital-analog implementation of its quantum methods, tailored for its neutral-atom quantum processors, which makes these applications 30 times more efficient than competing superconducting quantum processors. Predictive and rapid virtual modeling will bring the manufacturing process towards safer designs, more sustainable products and zero-prototyping.

To share our experience and promote the company, we were pleased to take part in key events. We covered Europe and the U.S. with quantum events like IQT San Diego, Quantum Tech Boston, France Quantum, and with global tech events like GTC 2022 and VivaTech. Each time our goal is to attest to how neutral atom quantum computers are used by our clients and how they are updating yearly quantum adoption plan to prepare the quantum advantage era. During events, PASQAL’s team provides the opportunity to dive into the heart of PASQAL’s quantum computers, thanks to a virtual reality experience. A great way to make quantum computing even more accessible.

And for the commuters and those wanting to grasp key info about PASQAL, enjoy the podcast Quantum Tech Pod Episode 28 with Georges-Oliver Reymond, PASQAL CEO.

PASQAL’s developments on the tech and business sides are getting noticed, again. The companies received two new awards in Q2 2022. PASQAL was named a 2022 Gartner® cool vendor in quantum computing. Gartner’s report is designed to highlight interesting, new and innovative vendors, products and services.  The report adds “(the) pace of quantum computing innovation continues to accelerate, with new technologies and services providers unlocking access to potential quantum value”. The report also shares that “innovations in neutral atom technologies are enabling providers to devise larger, more scalable systems technology augmented with software and services designed to identify sustainable implementation pathways.”  

In addition, PASQAL has won Globee Disruptor Company Awards. The category is in the information technology hardware for technology’s potential to solve real-world problems through quantum computing. The award program recognizes disruptive technologies and innovative solutions that are transforming consumer experiences everywhere. PASQAL was honored for its innovative technology, strong customer base and partnerships and its full-stack processors’ capability to operate at room temperature with lower energy, allowing the company to address complex problems more efficiently than classical computers.

Rewinding the key news of Q2 is an efficient way to assess our achievements. Q3 will deepen our involvement in shaping offers as close as possible to market needs. Again, we can’t wait to embrace Q3 challenges and opportunities!