QAP Computing readies businesses for the coming of quantum computers

After a career abroad, notably in the United States, Marc Baboulin has been a professor at Université Paris-Saclay, Polytech Paris-Saclay, and a researcher in the field of high-performance computing (HPC) and quantum computing since 2010. He conducts his research at the Formal Methods Laboratory (LMF – Univ. Paris-Saclay/CNRS/ENS Paris-Saclay/CentraleSupélec/Inria), within the Inria Quantum Computation Structures (QuaCS) project team, where he works on quantum algorithms for high-performance computing. "Quantum computers are just beginning to develop, error correction is improving, but practical applications are still lacking. I wanted to study the use of quantum algorithms for numerical simulations carried out on a daily basis in industry, in order to lend credibility to advances in quantum computing," explains the lecturer.

In September 2024, Marc Baboulin, accompanied by Brice Pointal, a research engineer at the Interdisciplinary Laboratory for Digital Sciences (LISN – Univ. Paris-Saclay/CNRS/CentraleSupélec/Inria), joined the Inria start-up Studio incubator with the QAP Computing project. The aim of this start-up project is to develop quantum software that can be integrated into companies' high-performance computing chains. "For the moment, quantum computers are experimental, but we are helping companies to develop their skills in the field of quantum computing. We offer them a powerful software library with an intuitive interface to adapt their codes to the quantum computers that will arrive by 2030. Our goal is to ensure that companies embrace quantum computing now," explains Marc Baboulin.

Getting familiar with quantum computing

Currently, there are early models of quantum processors manufactured using a wide variety of technologies (superconductors, photonics, trapped ions, Rydberg atoms, etc.). However, no quantum computer is yet reliable enough to compete with today's supercomputers. "Quantum algorithms are probabilistic and the computing paradigms are completely different: there are no loops, no conditional tests, and information cannot be duplicated. This requires designing algorithms in a completely new way compared to classical computing," explains the project co-leader. The main promise of the quantum computer is an exponential increase in computing power and the ability to perform simulations that were previously impossible. In particular, this will enable more secure communications, advances in cryptography and energy savings compared to the current consumption of data centres. "Our goal is to offer a sufficient level of abstraction to facilitate the task of our customers in their software development thanks to an interface that is understandable for developers who are not quantum experts," explains the co-leader.

QAP Computing's software offering consists of two parts: the first is a simulation platform for testing quantum algorithms and familiarising oneself with quantum computing; the second is a high-performance software library for creating codes that use both quantum and classical processors. ‘Initially, companies will work by simulating the quantum processor, but with our software, they will be able to verify that their programmes are working and that the digital quality of the results is sufficient. They will also be able to test their codes on their chosen quantum computer using a gateway developed by QAP Computing. Our solution will therefore make it possible to measure any quantum advantage in some applications," adds Marc Baboulin.

The targeted customers are industrial or commercial companies for whom computing performance is an important criterion. This includes, for example, the aerospace, defence, energy, banking and insurance sectors. "It is important to experiment on how to integrate quantum functions into existing codes, as there will be no purely quantum programmes. Quantum processors will always work in combination with conventional processors. This 'hybrid' algorithmic model will use what each type of processor does best," explains Marc Baboulin.

A creation planned within a year

For the time being, QAP Computing does not yet have its own legal existence and is therefore unable to raise funds. But the co-founders are already in contact with investors. "We are aiming to officially launch the start-up within a year, which will give us time to complete the authorisation procedures with the university and the intellectual property agreements," adds Marc Baboulin. QAP Computing has developed proofs of concept (POC) and is ready to launch on the market. The future start-up has made initial contact with potential customers and received partnership proposals. The co-founders of QAP Computing are also looking for an employee with expertise in administrative and commercial matters. The codes developed by the future start-up have been filed with the Agency for the Protection of Programs (APP).

Marc Baboulin stresses the importance of getting ready for quantum computing straight away: "Companies have a lot to gain in terms of performance and energy savings compared to current supercomputers. They can get a serious competitive edge. Today, major French and foreign companies are investing in quantum computing. For example, Airbus, EDF, Total Énergies, Thales, HSBC, SAP, and others have dedicated teams working on the subject. Competition and scientific emulation will really drive the sector and investment in the field."