Quantum computer developer Quantinuum and aircraft engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce have launched a multi-year project to explore hybrid quantum-classical computing. The project also involves error correction specialist Riverlane and the EPCC supercomputing center at the University of Edinburgh.
The partners aim to identify the capabilities of quantum computers needed for future industrial design. The focus is not yet on full-scale simulation but on testing individual computational components.
Calculating gas flow within turbines requires significant resources, especially as model precision increases. The project participants will assess whether future fault-tolerant quantum computers can perform part of these calculations alongside supercomputers.
Quantinuum will provide access to quantum systems and software environments. Rolls-Royce will prepare industrial tasks, Riverlane will handle algorithms and quantum error correction, and EPCC will integrate with high-performance computing systems.
The initial algorithm components will be tested on the Helios quantum computer. The partners will then evaluate the potential for scaling on Quantinuum’s future systems, Sol and Apollo.
This collaboration is part of the UK’s quantum computing development program. By 2035, the government aims to provide access to domestic systems capable of performing 1 trillion quantum operations and solving industrially significant tasks in conjunction with supercomputers.
Previously, Quantinuum updated its IPO filing and set a price range of $45–$50 per share. The firm plans to list 21,052,632 Class A shares on Nasdaq. At these parameters, the post-IPO valuation would be $11.43 billion–$12.7 billion.
In June, IBM unveiled an updated roadmap, stating the company will create the world’s first large-scale fault-tolerant quantum computer by 2029.
