NEWS
IonQ and Oak Ridge National Laboratory unveil novel approach to scalable quantum computing
An IonQ collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory ( ORNL ) has demonstrated a new approach to scalable quantum computing .
The collaboration combined IonQ ’ s enterprise-grade trapped-ion technology with ORNL ’ s world-class quantum technologies expertise to develop a novel hybrid quantum algorithm based on the Quantum Imaginary Time Evolution principle ( QITE ).
This noise-tolerant method enables nearoptimal and optimal solutions for complex combinatorial optimization problems on IonQ ’ s commercially available hardware .
The results showed that QITE can significantly outperform other quantum optimization algorithms such as QAOA ( Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm ) in both time-to-solution and circuit depth – paving the way for tackling large optimization problems on near-term quantum computers .
By using this hybrid quantum algorithm , IonQ and ORNL were able to reduce the number of two-qubit gates by over 85 % for a 28 qubit problem compared to a QAOA solution , improving over the state of the art .
The hybrid quantum algorithm was proved out on IonQ ’ s Aria and Forte systems which were used inside the optimization loop , paving the way for scaling to larger problem sizes .
Dr . Martin Roetteler , Senior Director , Quantum Solutions , IonQ , said : “ This work is an important step forward in scaling quantum computing systems for practical commercial applications – we ’ re excited about the potential this has for industries ranging from logistics to energy systems , finance and life sciences .”
Dr . Travis Humble , Director , Quantum Science Center , ORNL , said : “ The development of quantum imaginary time evolution-based methods demonstrates our commitment to leveraging near-term quantum computers for real-world , industrial challenges .”
Belgian software company wins major US contracts
Itineris , a global leader in innovative SaaS solutions for utilities , has secured three new contracts in the US .
Dallas Water Utilities ( DWU ), located in Texas , aims to modernise its business processes and enhance services for the 2.6 million residents of Dallas and 27 surrounding cities with Itineris ’ software . DWU delivers more than 150 billion gallons of water annually through an extensive network of more than 5,000 miles of pipelines .
Following an intensive evaluation process , DWU selected Itineris – headquartered in Ghent , Belgium , and supported by its US division in Atlanta , Georgia – and its cloud-based software solution , UMAX .
UMAX will replace outdated systems for metre readings , billing and water management , and will also include a brand-new customer portal .
The contract spans 10 years and follows successful implementations in cities such as New York City , Boston , Baltimore , Tallahassee , Florida and Lansing , Michigan . This marks the second-largest contract for Itineris in North America .
Itineris has also recently signed contracts with Gwinnett County Water , serving 270,000 water customers in Georgia and Arizona Water Utilities .
“ Our software solution , UMAX , has become the reference solution in the US utility market , and we are extremely proud of that ,” said Edgard Vermeersch , CEO of Itineris . “ Welcoming three new customers in the US – including the renowned utility company Dallas Water Utilities – demonstrates that our innovative technology , customer-centric approach , and proven track record are resonating throughout the market .”
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