Quantum News Briefs October 1: QCi Extends Collaborative Agreement with Los Alamos National Laboratory • MAG Aerospace Partners with Zapata AI to Deliver Next-Generation Airborne Surveillance Platform • Unlocking Large-Scale Quantum Simulations With BlueQubit’s Plugin for Pennylane • Commerce’s SCALE Supply Chain Tool Helps Bolster Quantum Investments • Max Planck-New York Center Expands Research on Quantum Materials
QCi Extends Collaborative Agreement with Los Alamos National Laboratory
Quantum Computing Inc. (QCi), an innovative, integrated photonics and quantum optics technology company, announced the extension of its Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) in a September 30 news release,
This strategic collaborative agreement focuses on QCi’s new entropy quantum optimization machine, Dirac-3, and its capabilities to quickly and efficiently solve highly complex problems associated with quantum simulations, social networks, protein structure prediction, and telecommunications. QCi’s Dirac-3 quantum optimization machine is the first of its kind to solve beyond QUBO problems, addressing high-dimensional discrete variables with multi-body interactions, which sit in the upper tier of the world’s most complex optimization problems, using nonlinear quantum optics.
QCi is also currently completing multiple projects for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and is engaged in other CRADAs with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).
MAG Aerospace Partners with Zapata AI to Deliver Next-Generation Airborne Surveillance Platform
Zapata AI (NASDAQ: ZPTA), a leader in AI solutions for large enterprises and the defense sector, today announced October 1 in news release the first commercial agreement of its partnership with MAG Aerospace (“MAG”). MAG is the leading independent defense contractor providing full-spectrum outsourced ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance) services for manned and unmanned systems, and a full spectrum of multi-domain deep sensing capabilities, including cyber, electronic warfare, and tactical communications in theaters around the world. In the initial phase of the partnership, Zapata will build foundational elements of MAG’s next-generation integrated surveillance platform.
Zapata AI will leverage its Orquestra® Enterprise Solution to drive rapid algorithm development and integration in MAG’s systems. Zapata’s technological expertise lies in the ability to ingest large and varied time series data streams, sensors, and other signals, including in low connectivity environments, make sense of the data, and deliver back to the user real-time insights, anomaly detection, and accurate predictions for what will happen next.
The MAG partnership adds to Zapata AI’s experience in the United States Department of Defense sector. As the only company participating across all tracks of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Quantum Benchmarking program, and the company’s development partnership with USSOCOM, along with several late stage agreements and partnerships, Zapata AI is leading groundbreaking efforts in applying its quantum-enabled algorithms, sensor intelligence and anomaly detection technology, proprietary AI capabilities, and proven delivery methodology to produce results in environments where “intelligence anywhere”, speed, and accuracy are mission critical
Unlocking Large-Scale Quantum Simulations With BlueQubit’s Plugin for Pennylane
BlueQubit, a leading developer of quantum technology solutions, has released a unique plugin for Pennylane, Xanadu’s recognized quantum machine learning library, according to BlueQubit’s September 25 blog by Hayk Tepanyan, Co-founder & CTO.
Thanks to the integration of BlueQubit’s powerful simulation, users can now run more complex and broad quantum experiments without restrictions.
Pennylane clients can benefit from this partnership by getting access to additional capabilities that allow quantum simulations to operate smoothly on BlueQubit’s controlled simulators. This collaboration provides new opportunities for researchers and developers to explore quantum algorithms and applications on a larger scale.
BlueQubit a Gold Sponsor at IQT Quantum + AI in NYC October 29-30.
As a leading quantum programming library, Pennylane is an essential tool for anyone who works in quantum computing. It’s developed by Xanadu, one of the top providers of quantum hardware.
Pennylane naturally integrates with machine learning and quantum chemistry frameworks. The tool is designed to allow for efficient programming of quantum computers, making it easier for researchers and developers to implement quantum algorithms and simulations.
In Other News: Federal News Network Reports “Commerce’s SCALE Supply Chain Tool Helps Bolster Quantum Investments”
The Commerce Department is leveraging its new supply chain data tools to help drive its investments in critical technologies like quantum computing as reported by Justin Doubleday in September 23 Federal News Network.
The International Trade Administration’s Industry and Analysis unit rolled out the “SCALE” supply chain risk assessment tool earlier this month. The tool is designed to evaluate risks across key industries and help inform agency decision making.
Don Graves, deputy secretary of commerce, said the agency’s supply chain analysis is a critical factor when deciding to make investments in areas like the $10 billion Tech Hubs program.
“What we’re trying to do right now is make these investments, but to do it in a way that also understands the supply chain constraints,” Graves said during an event on quantum computing hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
The quantum supply chain, as with many other technologies, is diverse and globalized. The Government Accountability Office, in a 2021 blog post, reports that quantum technologies rely on everything from dilution refrigerators made in Finland to rare earth materials mined in China.
Graves called for “both an offense and defense strategy” to elevate U.S. competitiveness in quantum technologies.
In Other News: Innovation Network Reports: “Max Planck-New York Center Expands Research on Quantum Materials”
The Max Planck–New York Center on Non-Equilibrium Quantum Phenomena has secured funding to continue its groundbreaking research on quantum materials for an additional five years as reported by the September 27 Innovation Network.
This collaboration, originally established between Columbia University, the Flatiron Institute, and two Max Planck Institutes in Germany, will now include Cornell University. The centre’s expansion aims to deepen research into the unique properties of quantum materials, which hold significant potential for advancements in technologies such as quantum computing, sensors, and networks.
The inclusion of Cornell University adds new capabilities to the centre’s research portfolio, particularly in the areas of material synthesis and quantum measurement.
Additionally, the Max Planck Institute’s new Microstructured Quantum Matter Department will contribute to the design and creation of novel quantum materials.
