Quantum Research Sciences (QRS) has been awarded a $2.5 million, three-year Phase III Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) contract from the U.S. Air Force, marking the Department of Defense’s inaugural operational quantum computing software. Specializing in optimization scenarios, QRS employed quantum computers to enhance supply chain inventory management, particularly in predicting demand for military inventory. QRS’s quantum software demonstrated a 28% improvement in accuracy over classical computing methods, addressing challenges faced by government and commercial entities in inventory forecasting. The software provides not only quantity estimates but also precise timing and logistics information, offering a comprehensive solution to inventory management complexities.
Headquartered in Lafayette, QRS is affiliated with the Purdue Quantum Science and Engineering Institute, showcasing its commitment to advancing quantum technologies. CEO Ethan Krimins highlighted the collaborative effort with the U.S. Air Force, evolving from Phase I design to Phase II prototype development and culminating in Phase III which will move the software into real-world production. The contract underscores three years of dedicated work, with the Air Force being the initial beneficiary, while the software’s adaptability allows broader utilization across the Department of Defense.
Additional information is available in a new release posted on the Purdue University Research Foundation News website here.
January 19, 2024
