IonQ and Kipu Quantum have announced a joint breakthrough in quantum computing, solving what they describe as the most complex protein folding problem ever executed on a quantum computer. The achievement showcases both algorithmic innovation and hardware capability, with the results executed on IonQ’s Forte-generation trapped-ion quantum systems using Kipu’s BF-DCQO algorithm.
The collaboration addressed a three-dimensional protein folding problem involving up to 12 amino acids—considered the most complex of its kind attempted on quantum hardware to date. In parallel, the teams solved dense optimization problems, including all-to-all connected spin-glass (QUBO) and MAX-4-SAT (HUBO) instances, using up to 36 qubits. Kipu’s non-variational, iterative algorithm provided accurate solutions with fewer operations, while IonQ’s all-to-all qubit connectivity enabled efficient handling of long-range interactions, which are critical in protein modeling.
This effort demonstrates the feasibility of near-term quantum applications in areas such as drug discovery, logistics, and material design. The companies plan to continue their collaboration with early access to IonQ’s upcoming 64- and 256-qubit systems, targeting even more industrially relevant use cases and future demonstrations of quantum advantage.
Read the full technical study here and IonQ’s announcement here.
June 19, 2025
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