Quantum computing offers new approaches to computing, where we compute with probabilities rather than certainties. This fundamental changes allows us to answer problems that are difficult for classical computing. Now, to actually benefit from this technology, the challenge is to find the areas where this provide relevant and tangible advantage. It is time to identify use cases.
The first step : start with the problems
The idea is not to start from the tool and look for problems where it could be used. In order to bring real value, the first step is to identify current problems where there is a benefit from having them better dealt with. Only then, asking ourselves if a problem can be treated better with a quantum computer becomes relevant.
What does an appropriate problem for quantum computing look like?
First, not every computational task needs a quantum computer. When estimating if a task can be tackled with quantum computing, one could identify that it’s only relevant for a specific segment. In that case, combining a classical and a quantum computing approach, an hybrid one, might be a way to benefit from what they each do best.
Though, the nature of some problems is more adapted to what quantum computing could solve efficiently. Here are some examples where this technology is expected to show the most potential :
- Too many combinations to test one by one through classical computing
- Too many interacting components to model together
- Too many possible scenarios to evaluate
- A complex data structure that classical methods could struggle to handle.
Such problems appears in many fields: chemistry, insurance, finance, health... and take familiar form such as optimisation, simulation or machine learning. Howewer, no map can tell you whether quantum computing is relevant to your organisation. That depends on your whole business context, and the best way to find out is to start exploring quantum computing yourself.
What can you do tomorrow?
To identify your use cases, we recommend you to follow these four steps : identify, qualify, benchmark and decide.
- Identify a few computation intensive problems in your business, with relevant key performance indicators to improve
- Qualify the problem, if it one where quantum computing might be relevant
- Benchmark the results and potential for improvment based on the established KPI
- Decide whether to explore further this particular problem
A tip that our partners shared is to start with the problem that maximises learning, not necessarily your biggest or most blocking issue. A well-chosen first case will teach your teams more and faster than a high-stakes one.
How can MaQuEst help you today
MaQuEst, the quantum hub of the Grand Est region, exists to support you in this exploration. We help recude its cost and connect you with suitable partners in the Grand Est. Take your first step with our call for projects, which is open until November 16. Two funding options are available:
- Option 1 – Quantum Assessment: Identify and explore your use cases with funding of up to €15,000 (20% to 50% of expenses, depending on the size of your company).
- Option 2 – Quantum R&D and Innovation Project Develop an innovative use case applied to a specific industrial challenge, with funding of up to €150,000 (25% to 45% of expenses, depending on the size of your company).
Don’t wait and contact us to know more