The University of Innsbruck and spin-off AQT have integrated a quantum computer into a high-performance computing (HPC) environment for the first time in Austria. This hybrid infrastructure, combining supercomputer and quantum computer, can now address complex problems in fields such as chemistry, materials science, and optimization.
Demand for computing power is rising, and traditional processor speeds have plateaued. To enhance performance, HPC centers have shifted from homogeneous setups to heterogeneous infrastructures with specialized nodes, including GPUs and NPUs. Quantum computers, as new accelerators for HPC systems, offer exciting possibilities, according to quantum physicist Thomas Monz, assistant professor at the University of Innsbruck and CEO of AQT.
The integration was achieved through the FFG-funded HPQC project, interfacing the University of Innsbruck’s “LEO5” computing cluster with AQT’s “IBEX Q1” quantum computer. This milestone facilitates future research and development on quantum-enabled solutions within heterogeneous infrastructures, expanding user access and application potential.
Researchers and consortium partners, including Math.Tec GmbH and TU Vienna, are leveraging this hybrid infrastructure for advanced computations. The HPQC project aims to pioneer hybrid solutions, balancing workloads between classical and quantum computing to solve problems previously unsolvable by classical methods alone.
For additional information, you can access the press release provided here.
July 23, 2024