Governments can ignite innovation through near-term Quantum-powered applications
Many governments have quantum programmes that focus on R&D efforts for next-generation quantum hardware technology. Some quantum computing technologies have now advanced enough to solve real-world problems, and what’s needed now is a shift to commercialisation. In my years of tech policy experience, I've found that the only way to quickly commercialise technology and drive innovation is to focus on the software stack, emphasizing how the end user will interact with the technology. Emerging technologies often work together to solve complex problems. That’s why it’s exciting to see the U.K. government leaning in on near-term application development.
What many people don’t realise is that quantum computing is well suited for near-term application development. Quantum computing is working in concert with cloud computing, high-performance computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning, and is tackling tough problems industries are facing today. Quantum-powered applications have the potential to create more resilient and efficient supply chains, reduce carbon emissions, decrease waste, advance drug discovery, and tackle a wide range of other complex problems.
Real-World Use Cases for Today's Quantum
As the U.K. government unlocks innovation to solve problems impacting the public, the need to tap new computation power is critical, especially to solve logistics problems. These are problems that impact our daily lives, ranging from helping solve traffic congestion and optimize railway schedule delays to improving emergency response and post and parcel delivery. Logistics management is the process of planning, implementing, and controlling the efficient, effective flow of goods, materials, and services. This is a complex problem that plays a critical role in enabling businesses and governments to meet the public’s needs.
With their numerous constraints, the enormous problem sets present in logistics are complex, and when it comes to providing solutions, conventional technology can only scratch the surface. However, quantum computing can provide transformative solutions that work alongside conventional solutions and other emerging technologies. Even better, its additive computational power is accessible through the cloud.
This is important to note that as the U.K. government continues to implement its quantum strategy and expand the focus of programmes to address near-term needs, this an area where use of quantum-powered solutions can provide enhanced solutions. For example, the Port of Los Angeles in the U.S., one of the busiest ports in the world, used a cloud-based application to improve cargo handling efficiency by 60% each day while reducing truck turnaround time by 12%. Elsewhere, transportation network optimization is an area of focus for quantum-powered solutions. In fact, the Australian government announced its intention to use quantum computing applications to optimize its network of railways, taxis, busing and more. Similar applications could be applied to U.K. transportation and logistics – and should be supported through quantum programme
Quantum’s Role in Driving Sustainability
Beyond transportation and logistics, there is a need to address sustainability initiatives to achieve net-zero carbon goals set by governments. This is another area where quantum-powered technologies can help. As increased renewable fuels are needed for the electrical grid, the need to optimize increases exponentially. To address sustainability efforts, quantum-hybrid applications have been developed around the world, including the optimization of wind farms in the Netherlands and EV charging station placement in San Francisco. In Japan, an application was developed to reduce CO2 emissions by nearly 60% through optimized waste collection. And in Europe, Vinci Energies, a French-based company, is building applications to optimize heating and air conditioning (HVAC) design. These applications are providing new approaches and are yielding solutions more quickly with shorter duct lengths and fewer construction elements.
Government Programmes Foster Near-Term Application Innovation
The U.K. National Quantum Technologies Programme (NQTP) recognises that stimulating market growth and driving innovation in the quantum computing industry requires a dual approach of both supporting hardware advancement while also prioritising near-term application development.
By encouraging the creation of applications using existing quantum computing technologies, the NQTP will accelerate the adoption and commercialisation of quantum solutions. This approach not only demonstrates the tangible benefits of quantum computing to potential users, but also helps identify the most promising areas for further development.
As more near-term applications are developed and deployed, a valuable feedback loop is created between software developers, hardware manufactures, and end-users. Software developers gain insights into the capabilities and limitations of current quantum hardware and identify areas of synergy for convergence with other technologies. Hardware manufacturers, in turn, receive feedback on the performance and usability of their systems from solving end-user problems, enabling them to refine their designs and prioritize future enhancements.
The U.K. SPARQ programme focuses on application development across quantum computing modalities (annealing, gate-model, and hybrid), but it can do more. The programme should double down on upskilling quantum algorithm development. They can look to Canada, where the Quantum Algorithms Institute has a programme aimed at educating algorithm developers in quantum annealing technology. New programmes could be established in the U.K. to exponentially advance quantum application development. The U.S. is considering creating a quantum sandbox program dedicated to near-term application development of demonstrations and proofs of concepts within 24-month or less. Also in consideration is a quantum user access programme, which provides cloud-based access to commercial quantum computing systems. Similar programmes should be established in the U.K. to expedite application innovation and deployment.
While it can feel like a Herculean feat, innovation can be achieved in the public sector at the same pace as the private sector. Government programmes should support near-term quantum application development focused on solving key public sector problems – and these programmes can reap even greater rewards by bringing together quantum with other emerging technologies for maximum impact.
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