Classiq Works With Rolls-Royce On Quantum Boost For Simulations

Quantum startup Classiq is working with aero-engine maker Rolls-Royce on developing quantum algorithms to speed computational fluid dynamics for simulations in its engineering work.

The Tel Aviv-based company specializes in quantum algorithms rather than quantum hardware, and claims that its software platform helps customers to automate the process of converting high-level functional models into optimized quantum circuits.

With Rolls-Royce, the work will involve ways of accelerating computational fluid dynamics calculations, complex numerical simulations of fluid and gas that the company uses to model phenomena such as the flow of air and hot gas within and around its engine designs.

According to Classiq, this project will combine quantum and classical computing techniques, using the strengths of each technology.

The company told us that the quantum algorithm will be used as part of Rolls-Royce’s existing high performance computing (HPC) simulation environment, wherever there is a need for a quantum boost in solving the partial differential equations for airflow as part of the simulation.

Specifically, it will involve an implementation of the Harrow-Hassidim-Lloyd (HHL) quantum algorithm, which is said to provide an exponential speed-up in solving linear system problems when compared with classical computing methods. The nonlinear and linear parts are solved on classical and quantum hardware, respectively.

Classiq said that its role will be to provide an efficient implementation of the linear problem definition and generate optimized quantum circuits for the different functions within the HHL algorithm.

It claims the platform delivers algorithms that are hardware-agnostic and thus will run on any quantum computing hardware – or at least any based on a quantum gate architecture. This will allow Rolls-Royce to implement computational fluid dynamics algorithms in a way that is hardware independent, it said.

“We’re honored to work with Rolls-Royce on a sophisticated quantum solution to an important industrial challenge,” Classiq’s VP of Strategic Partnerships Shai Lev said in a statement.

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Rolls-Royce said the ability to run more sophisticated CFD models will be a key part of helping the company to achieve its net zero carbon goals.

“The potential of quantum computers to drastically reduce simulation run-times cannot be ignored and the work we’re doing today ensures we will have the capabilities to benefit from Quantum Advantage when it arrives,” said Rolls-Royce Fellow and Quantum Computing lead Dr Leigh Lapworth.

Classiq is one of the companies which have been selected to help the Israeli government to deliver a functioning quantum computer for the nation's commercial and research communities. The company raised $33 million earlier this year in a Series B funding round that involved investors including HPE and Samsung. ®