IberQuantum Lab, a new quantum computing training initiative, is launched

Created by Ibermática Fundazioa and Vitoria-Gasteiz School of Engineering, the aim is to generate talent and meet the needs of sectors such as car manufacturing.

Ibermática Fundazioa and Vitoria-Gasteiz School of Engineering have recently launched IberQuantum Lab. The aim of the collaborative environment is to foster knowledge transfer and generate talent in the area of quantum technology.

This will involve them organising training and outreach sessions for teaching staff and students, as well as providing them with opportunities to participate in studies and R&D initiatives on current issues relating to quantum technology. They will also work together to design and create a co-working space with specialist equipment where students can get hands-on experience with quantum technology during classes. The initiative will see them participate in forums, congresses, conferences and trade fairs at a regional, national and international level, as well as publish the results from the studies and R&D work in the form of scientific papers.

The first step of the initiative will see Ibermática Fundazioa and Vitoria-Gasteiz School of Engineering run a series of introductory sessions on quantum computing. These will focus on areas such as current technology and the fundamental principles of computer algorithms that have quantum advantage. To do this, they will draw on examples of combinatorial optimisation and the application of quantum computing in quantum machine learning systems as well as physical simulation environments, including those used to model batteries, molecules, damping and heat systems.

The sessions, which will be led by experts from Ibermática Fundazioa and take place at the school’s IberQuantum Lab, will be a great opportunity for teaching staff to learn about this new technology. The ultimate aim is to offer a stand-alone qualification in quantum computing.

The second quantum revolution

Over recent years, advances in quantum technology, particularly quantum computing, have transformed classic simulation and optimisation models, giving rise to a new form of AI that is growing exponentially. Quantum computers have an unparalleled capacity to solve complex computational problems, such as simulating and optimising chemical reactions, identifying the most appropriate drug for a patient, dealing with multi-stop transportation and handling AI algorithms.

Aitor Moreno, Head of Quantum Computing at Ayesa, explains how quantum technology has become so important that ‘there is now a geopolitical race under way to see who can develop the most powerful quantum computers, something that will undoubtedly see certain countries left behind’. He goes on to add: ‘The quantum revolution has gone from being something futuristic to a disruptive reality, transforming entire industries and posing a series of ethical questions’.

The main advantage of quantum computing compared to classic technology is that it allows multiple calculations to be carried out simultaneously, significantly speeding up processes. ‘This is resulting in new algorithms in areas such as industrial, mechanical and chemical engineering, car manufacturing, IT and robotics. As an emerging field, significant research is currently being carried out in the area of quantum computing. However, quantum solutions are already a reality, being used in innovative projects and by end clients, particularly in industry’, notes the Head of Quantum Computing.

This leads him to conclude: ‘Having a solid grounding in quantum computing is currently an advantage, but will undoubtedly become a must in the future. Given that those with expertise in quantum R&D and experience of integrating quantum solutions into business processes are so few and far between, companies and research institutes are actively competing to hire them’.