Vivatech 2022: France Hybrid Quantum Initiative (HQI) presents its HPC hybrid quantum computing technologies for innovation

Through its presence at Vivatech, the HQI initiative aims to offer innovation players a showcase of the quantum ecosystem, in France and beyond, from a computational perspective. On the HQI stand (G60) from Tuesday June 15 to Saturday June 18, a series of meetings will be organized to bring together those involved in academic and industrial research into quantum technologies. During thirty-minute sessions, stakeholders will freely share their ambitions and projects, in the form of "Quantum dating". Industrial companies, startups, associations, local authorities and personalities from the quantum world will be on hand to answer questions on the HQI stand (G60). The full program is available at www.hqi.fr.

Friday June 17, Bruno Bonnell, Secretary General for Investment, in charge of France 2030, and the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research will be on hand at the HQI stand for the signing of the acquisition contract that officially materializes the choice of the "Fresnel" simulator designed and produced by Pasqal.

The choice of this machine was made very recently as part of the European HPCQS project. Made possible thanks to the commitment of the French government through the France 2030 plan, and of the European Union through the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking, this acquisition is part of the implementation of a national and European quantum ambition. The integration of this quantum hardware with conventional computing resources creates a hybrid system. It is therefore an essential step in evaluating the use of quantum computer power in handling the first practical applications.

The solution designed by PASQAL is based on neutral atom technology and can control more than 100 qubits. This "Fresnel" simulator will be installed from 2023 at the TGCC (Très Grand Centre de Calcul du CEA). It will serve as a quantum gas pedal for specific work in the fields of optimization, quantum chemistry (applied to areas such as materials, biology or health) and machine learning.

As a space for exchange and encounters, the HQI stand will also offer the opportunity to discover and share by giving people of all ages the chance to see and understand quantum computing. This is why devices will enable Vivatech participants to discover, for example, certain technologies through virtual reality helmets.

The HQI stand will be open to all.

"France's acquisition, through GENCI, of a quantum computer designed by PASQAL marks a major milestone for the future of research and innovation. This is a French and European success story. Thanks to the HQI initiative, France's quantum ambitions - one of the major objectives of the France 2030 plan - are becoming more apparent every day. Today, France is committed to providing research with some of the most advanced quantum computing tools in the world. The future is taking shape, with professionals from all walks of life, in industry and academia. Raising young people's awareness of science and technology, and inspiring them to follow this path for their professional future, is a crucial challenge for France 2030. Bringing researchers and entrepreneurs together at an early stage on such strategic subjects is just as essential," says Bruno Bonnell, General Secretary for Investment, in charge of France 2030.

"The HQI Initiative holds a major place in the deployment of the national quantum strategy in France 2030, announced by the President of the Republic in January 2021. Today, by betting on Pasqal, we are marking a decisive step towards becoming one of the first countries to master these technologies. At the same time, we are putting the most advanced technology at the service of science - science that is open and in the service of progress. It's both a pleasure and a source of pride for us to be able to offer all members of the public, experts and families alike, the opportunity to discover and take ownership of this major challenge for our collective future, the quantum advantage, at Vivatech," said Neil Abroug, National Coordinator for Quantum Strategy.

"HQI provides a first-rate framework for the provision of tools and services derived from quantum technologies, particularly in the field of computing. It has enabled the acquisition of Pasqal's Fresnel quantum simulator as part of France's quantum strategy and the European HPCQS project. Therefore, GENCI and the CEA would like to express their satisfaction and enthusiasm, as this is a historic milestone for France and Europe in quantum advantage assessment. Coupled with our Joliot Curie supercomputer at TGCC, the unique 100+ qubit technology based on neutral atoms will enable European researchers to concretely assess the potential of quantum computing on their scientific and industrial research work," said together Philippe Lavocat, CEO of GENCI, and Jacques-Charles Lafoucrière, HQI, program director at CEA.

Finally, PASQAL CEO Georges-Olivier Reymond said, "PASQAL is very honored to have been selected, as part of the HPCQS project, to structure Europe's first hybrid HPC infrastructure. We are proud to be part of this collaboration with talented partners, and to help position the flagship of the European HPC community at the forefront of the quantum revolution. We would like to thank the public authorities whose ambition for European quantum sovereignty has enabled the HPCQS project to see the light of day. This ambition is supported and affirmed by the French national quantum plan, which partly finances the project. Today, it's not just a question of selecting the PASQAL quantum computers. Today, it's about strengthening Europe's sovereignty in quantum and HPC. We're building the HPC infrastructure of tomorrow, provided by Europe's quantum and HPC champions."