Oak Ridge lab gets $125M to combine HPCs with quantum

"America's Oak Ridge National Laboratory will receive up to $125 million through 2030 to develop hybrid computing systems that link quantum and supercomputing technologies. The federally funded research center in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, has secured planned funding from the Department of Energy (DoE) over five years to research hybrid computing architectures that meld quantum computers with classical high-performance computing (HPC) systems. Strictly speaking, the funding is for the Quantum Science Center (QSC), headquartered at Oak Ridge,"

"The research will focus on five areas: the design of quantum-accelerated high-performance computing (QHPC) architectures, developing an open software system for these, quantum algorithms, scientific applications that can use fault-tolerant quantum computers, and an experimental database for validating such applications against real-world materials. According to Oak Ridge, the research will cover quantum systems using several different technologies, including those based on transmons, neutral atoms and trapped ions."

"The convergence of HPC and quantum is one of those goals that could potentially pay off if it can be made to work. The notion is that quantum processors can help speed calculations and cut the time required to complete HPC simulations, effectively becoming part of the workflow in a hybrid system. "Bringing quantum and high-performance computing together will redefine what's possible in science and technology. The Quantum Science Center is charting that future," commented Gina Tourassi, associate laboratory director for ORNL's Computing and Computational Sciences Directorate."

Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Quantum Science Center will receive up to $125 million in Department of Energy funding through 2030 to research hybrid computing architectures that combine quantum processors with classical high-performance computing systems. The program will coordinate efforts with national labs, universities, and industry partners. Research will target five areas: design of quantum-accelerated HPC architectures, an open software system, quantum algorithms, scientific applications for fault-tolerant quantum computers, and an experimental database for validating applications against real materials. Work will span multiple quantum technologies, including transmons, neutral atoms, and trapped ions. Hybrid systems aim to accelerate calculations and shorten HPC simulation times by integrating quantum processors into workflows.

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