Quantum computer developer Quantinuum and aviation engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce have launched a multi-year project to explore hybrid quantum-classical computing. The initiative also involves Riverlane, a company specializing in quantum error correction, and the EPCC supercomputing center at the University of Edinburgh.
The partners aim to identify the quantum computing capabilities needed for future industrial design. The focus is not on fully transferring simulations to the quantum platform but rather on testing individual computational components.
Calculating gas flow within turbines requires substantial resources, especially as model accuracy increases. Project participants will assess whether future fault-tolerant quantum computers can perform part of these calculations alongside supercomputers.
Quantinuum will provide access to quantum systems and software environments. Rolls-Royce will prepare industrial tasks, Riverlane will handle algorithms and quantum error correction, while EPCC will focus on integration with high-performance computing systems.
The first components of the algorithms will be tested on the Helios quantum computer. Subsequently, the partners will evaluate the potential for scaling these components on future Quantinuum systems—Sol and Apollo.
This collaboration aligns with the UK’s quantum computing development program. By 2035, the government aims to provide access to systems capable of performing 1 trillion quantum operations and solving industrially significant tasks in conjunction with supercomputers.
Previously, Quantinuum updated its public offering application and set a price range of $45–50 per share for the first time. The company plans to issue 21,052,632 Class A shares on Nasdaq. At this valuation, the post-offering estimate will be between $11.43 billion and $12.7 billion.
As a reminder, in June, IBM unveiled an updated roadmap indicating that the company aims to create the world’s first large-scale fault-tolerant quantum computer by 2029.