Classiq and HPE Collaborate on Quantum-HPC Integration

Not until the ISC 2024 conference earlier this month had we heard that HPE is active in quantum computing — since then, we’ve heard they’re active in two ways.

Today, quantum software company Classiq announced it has developed a method for solving large-scale combinatorial optimization problems in collaboration with Hewlett Packard Labs. The new method is the result of joint research on the integration of high performance computing (HPC) and quantum computing.

Also, at ISC, we spoke with Kirk Bresniker, chief architect at Hewlett Packard Labs, who discussed HPE’s integration strategy for its broad, heterogenous computing vision that includes quantum systems working alongside classical HPC.

Regarding today’s announcement , Classiq and HPE said “the maturing” of quantum computation modalities is raising questions about quantum-classical HPC integration. “From scheduling and orchestration to hybrid computation, these two approaches are converging, creating opportunities for innovative solutions to complex problems,” Classiq said in its announcement.

Classiq said the hybrid approach uses the HPE Cray Supercomputing EX system and the massive parallel execution of HPE Cray Programming Environment along with the Classiq  engine’s ability to synthesize Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (QAOA) circuits. This solution encapsulates smaller problems to formulate an optimal approach for large-scale challenges, according to Classiq. “By merging classical and quantum algorithms, this method demonstrates a significant improvement in solving real-world problems efficiently and how to make the potential advantages of quantum acceleration readily available in the HPC data center.”

The work will be discussed in the paper titled “Hybrid Classical-Quantum Simulation of MaxCut using QAOA-in-QAOA,” to be presented on the 31st May at the Q-Casa workshop at the IEEE IPDPS Conference (https://www.ipdps.org/) in San Francisco.

“This collaboration is a testament to the power of combining cutting-edge quantum and classical computing technologies. We are incredibly proud of the work we have done together, which not only showcases the potential of hybrid computation but also demonstrates tangible efficiency improvements,” said Nir Minerbi, CEO of Classiq. “The findings in this paper are a significant step forward in accelerating the integration of quantum computing into mainstream applications.”

The goal of integrating the Classiq engine as backend to Hewlett Packard Labs quantum programming environment is to enable abstract, optimized and scalable quantum/HPC software development.

HPE’s venture capital program, Hewlett Packard Pathfinder, made a 2022 investment in ClassiqClassiq also is backed by HSBC, Samsung, Intesa Sanpaolo and NTT, Classiq’s world-class team of scientists and engineers has distilled decades of quantum expertise into its groundbreaking quantum engine.