QAE (2026 - 2030) | Stefan Klikovits

Quantum computers are increasingly becoming a reality, and recent successes in the development of quantum computers, such as an increase in the number and quality of qubits as well as improvements in fidelity and speed of operations, confirm the trend towards practically relevant applications. Austria has positioned itself at the forefront of these developments and is developing state-of-the-art quantum hardware (e.g., in Innsbruck and Vienna) as well as software (e.g., in Hagenberg and Linz).

However, there is still a huge technological gap between practical applications and the very hardware-oriented software ecosystem in quantum computing. Many prospective users heard about the promises of quantum computing, but have no idea whether this technology is useful for their domain. Those who are already invested in the technology are often stuck with “toy examples” and have no clear path towards a practical utilization of quantum computing as, thus far, quantum computing platform providers mainly supply low-level interfaces to access their technology.

Project Goal

The aim of the COMET module Quantum Algorithm Engineering (QAE) is to address this gap, to connect industry with the quantum ecosystem, and, by this, enable to effectively and efficiently exploit the advantages of this new technology.

The project will thoroughly consider relevant application domains and investigate whether and how they can be matched to fitting Quantum Algorithms (with a focus on Quantum Combinatorial Optimization as well as Quantum Machine Learning). Complementary to that, we consider the integration of corresponding solutions into Hybrid Quantum-Classical Systems as well as the development of a supporting Quantum Software Environment – eventually providing industry with all the tools needed to realize and evaluate applications for quantum computing.

Research Areas

This scope requires extensive basic research into quantum algorithms, their applicability, advantages, disadvantages, and theoretical guarantees in combination with the development of software methods and tools. Key research areas include:

Investigation of quantum algorithms for industrial applications
Integration of quantum algorithms into hybrid quantum-classical systems
Development of a quantum software environment with all necessary tools for evaluating practical applications
Basic research on quantum algorithms and their theoretical guarantees
Problem-oriented research demonstrating advantages of quantum computing for industrial applications

The resulting joint research direction has an enormous potential for making quantum computing technologies more accessible to industry, which will incentivize the creation of new jobs in this field as well as enable competitive advantages for companies.

Project Coordinator

Software Competence Center Hagenberg GmbH (SCCH)

Project Partners

voestalpine Stahl GmbH
Technische Universität Wien
ESS Engineering Software Steyr GmbH
Alpine Quantum Technologies GmbH
Parity Quantum Computing GmbH
Technische Universität München
Johannes Kepler University Linz (Institute for Business Informatics – Software Engineering)
Nimble Innovation GmbH

Funding Details

Program: COMET-Module 2024 (KS 24/26)
Funding Agency: FFG (Austrian Research Promotion Agency)
Duration: 48 months
Keywords: Quantum Computing Applications, Quantum Machine Learning (QML), Hybrid Quantum Computing, Quantum Software Engineering, Quantum Utility

Impact

By providing the basis for utilizing quantum computing, we expect a substantial impact including a technological, economical, and societal effect on Austrian industry. The module will “complete” Austria’s quantum computing landscape by bridging the gap between applications from early adopters in industry and platform providers, contributing to:

Creating new high-technology jobs
Competitive advantages for Austrian companies
Strengthening Austria’s position in the global quantum computing ecosystem

Contact

Manuel Wimmer (BISE @ JKU PI)
Stefan Klikovits (Project Member)

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