December 11, 2024 -- Quantum computing offers solutions to highly complex problems and drives innovation in areas such as medicine, logistics and finance. Together with the start-up QMware, the Johannes Kepler University Linz is playing a pioneering role in this field.

Despite its early development phase, the technology is already showing transformative approaches. The JKU has been doing pioneering work in this area for some time. In the latest project, the team led by Dr. Felix Gemeinhardt (Department of Theoretical Biophysics at the JKU), together with quantum computing start-up QMware, is demonstrating how this new form of data processing can provide real added value in the manufacturing industry. The collaboration was carried out and funded as part of the European Digital Innovation Hub AI5Production.

Specific use case: the lot-sizing problem

As part of the “Test Before Invest” project, the Institute of Information Systems – Software Engineering and the Institute of Production and Logistics Management at the JKU have teamed up with quantum computing start-up QMware to test the added value of quantum computing for industrial applications based on a specific problem. The “Hybrid quantum-classical optimization for the lot-sizing problem (HyQOLoS)” project looks at challenges that are commonplace in the manufacturing industry: The lot-sizing problem asks how much of a product should be produced or ordered and when in order to minimize costs. Factors such as storage costs and production capacities make this planning particularly complex. The HyQOLoS project combines classical and quantum methods to efficiently solve difficult sub-problems and thus optimize business processes.

Hybrid quantum computing: a new approach for complex computing power

Although quantum computing is still in its infancy, hybrid quantum-classical solutions are already paving the way for practical applications. The Viennese start-up QMware specializes in combining classical and quantum-based technology. With QMware’s hybrid cloud platform, the JKU team was able to develop and test new algorithms that intelligently combine classical and quantum-based approaches. These algorithms utilize the respective strengths of both approaches and thus offer practice-oriented solutions for industrial challenges. The development of such hybrid approaches requires not only specialized hardware, but also innovative software that efficiently integrates classical and quantum-based components. This approach shows how the potential of quantum computing can already be applied to specific problems today.

HyQOLoS: Future prospects and industrial applications

With HyQOLoS, the JKU and QMware have proven that hybrid quantum computing creates practical added value and lays a foundation for future technological developments. The team has produced a prototype application that can overcome real industrial challenges. At the same time, the project shows how SMEs can implement innovative solutions through collaboration with research institutions and programs such as the European Digital Innovation Hub AI5Production.