Pasqal optimises air traffic in Japan with a local partner

Pasqal’s analog and hybrid computing capabilities will be used to explore use cases in quantum AI, space, and causal search algorithms

Paris, France, October 24, 2023 — Pasqal, a global leader in neutral atoms quantum computing, and the Quantum Transformation Project (QX-PJ), which aims to transform society with the power of quantum computing, have signed a MoU considering a strategic partnership agreement to collaborate on a wide range of activities in Japan, including optimizing low-altitude air traffic.

The partners will use Pasqal’s quantum computer in “Quantum Sky,” a quantum demonstration of a futuristic three-dimensional traffic control system to keep hundreds of thousands of drones and other low-altitude flying objects traveling safely, as developed by a QX Project program that attracted world wide attention in 2021.

Where the previous demonstration used a quantum annealing computer, this re-demonstration will leverage the Pasqal system’s ability to perform as both analog quantum computer, which specializes in optimization calculations, and as a digital-analog quantum computer, which has general-purpose processing capabilities. With a single dual-use platform, Pasqal’s experts in quantum algorithm and software development can concentrate their resources and develop more complex algorithms.

Georges Reymond, CEO of Pasqal said, “Quantum computing holds the potential to revolutionize air transportation control and safety. Our neutral atoms technology is ideal to tackle optimization related problems, which are intractable to classical supercomputers. With this new endeavor, in partnership with the Quantum Transformation Project (QX-PJ), we are pushing forward the capabilities of our hardware and moving a step forward to reach near-term quantum advantage.”

QX-PJ and Pasqal will explore other use cases as well, such as application to quantum AI and causal search algorithms, where the value of both analog and digital quantum computers can be maximized.

About Pasqal

Pasqal builds quantum computers from ordered neutral atoms in 2D and3D arrays to bring a practical quantum advantage to its customers and address real-world problems. Pasqal was founded in 2019, out of the Institut d’Optique,by Georges-Olivier Reymond, Christophe Jurczak, Professor Dr. Alain Aspect, Nobel Prize Laureate Physics, 2022, Dr. Antoine Browaeys, and Dr. Thierry Lahaye. Pasqal has secured more than €140 million in financing to date.

About the Quantum Transformation Project

The Quantum Transformation (QX) Project was officially launched in March 2021 by Sumitomo Corporation, which has long been engaged in business development using quantum computers, as an advocate of “social transformation through quantum technology, QX”. It is building a global QX ecosystem by leading various demonstrations in the fields of logistics and air mobility, actively presenting at international conferences, and investing in and collaborating with up-and-coming quantum startups in advanced countries.