FEATURE: QUANTUM COMPUTING facilitates workforce training and allows performance comparisons. However, limitations such as long queue times and restricted low-level access mean cloud use is only a steppingstone.
The report recommends deploying on-site prototypes, even with only a handful of logical qubits. Doing so develops operational expertise in cryogenics, vibration isolation and error correction – skills that will be indispensable when full eFTQC systems arrive. Prototypes also provide unique testbeds for codesigning workflows and shaping standards.
Building the Quantum-HPC bridge
For HPC centers, the transition to eFTQC requires rethinking workflows and software stacks. Unlike GPUs or FPGAs, quantum processors will not serve as drop-in replacements. Instead, they will target specific bottlenecks in broader application chains.
To unlock value, the report says HPC workflows must be re-architected to embed quantum solvers while minimizing disruption. For example, in quantum chemistry, classical methods can handle molecular structure exploration and kinetic modeling while quantum processors tackle groundstate energy calculations. tolerant algorithms, quantum error correction and hybrid programming models, the report says.
A practical step is identified in dedicating classical resources to simulating eFTQC devices, complete with noise models, so that users can prototype hybrid workflows and develop intuition. Over time, maturing SDKs and compilers will abstract away many details, but early training is essential to avoid a skills gap, the report says.
Benchmarking and vendor evaluation
HPC centers are urged to engage actively with quantum vendors to evaluate performance metrics beyond raw qubit counts. Effective clock rate after error correction, infrastructure requirements such as power and cooling and physical footprint vary dramatically across vendors. Benchmarking will inform procurement decisions and shape vendor roadmaps, the report says.
Cloud and Prototyping
Cloud-based access to current QPUs offers a low-barrier entry point for HPC centers. It provides hands-on exposure to different technologies,
At the software level, established tools like MPI and Slurm must evolve to schedule hybrid jobs spanning CPUs, GPUs and QPUs. The report says flexibility is essential to accommodate rapid advances in both classical and quantum hardware while avoiding lock-in to proprietary toolchains that could stifle innovation.
Another challenge identified in the report lies in compilation. Today, fault-tolerant quantum algorithms are hand-optimized to map onto specific qubit layouts. Future compilers will need to automate these processes, drawing on lessons from decades of classical compiler development. This area, too, offers opportunities for HPC centers to lead, the report says.
Toward eFTQC-accelerated HPC centers
The readiness spectrum for HPC centers spans from basic awareness to full leadership.‘ Leaders’ will deploy prototypes, co-design workflows and benchmark vendors, positioning themselves to secure scarce early access to eFTQC resources.‘ Fast followers’ will engage later, while‘ late adopters’ risk being left behind.
The stakes are high. Demand for early eFTQC machines is expected to far exceed supply, making
38 INTELLIGENTCIO NORTH AMERICA www. intelligentcio. com