January 13, 2025 -- Terra Quantum are pleased to announce the successful completion of a collaborative project between Terra Quantum and Evonik, focusing on geometry optimization tasks modelled with CFD-simulation. This project showcases the practical application of quantum-inspired technologies in addressing complex industrial challenges.

Innovative Optimization Approach

The project utilized Terra Quantum’s innovative multi-objective optimization solver, leveraging tensor networks-based techniques.

TQOptimaX: Multi-objective Optimization Solver

At the heart of Terra Quantum’s geometry optimization approach lies TQOptimaX, Terra Quantum’s advanced multi-objective optimization solver, designed to tackle complex industrial design problems. It efficiently maximizes the hypervolume in solution-space while utilizing as little as possible number of target function evaluations, crucial for reducing computational costs. TQOptimaX handles non-linear constraints effectively and produces a well-distributed Pareto front, providing a comprehensive view of optimal trade-offs. Its parallelizable structure allows for simultaneous evaluation of multiple solution candidates, accelerating the optimization process. By integrating Terra Quantum’s black-box tensor network-based solver, TetraOpt, Terra Quantum deliver robust performance in real-world engineering scenarios.

TetraOpt: Tensor Networks-based Solver for Universal Black-Box Optimization

Complementing TQOptimaX is TetraOpt, Terra Quantum’s proprietary tensor train-based optimizer, designed for complex, high-dimensional problems where target function evaluations are limited. It efficiently reaches lower cost function values compared to alternative algorithms, making it particularly valuable in industrial settings with time and resource constraints. Built on tensor network mathematics, TetraOpt navigates high-dimensional spaces more effectively than traditional methods. Its highly parallelizable nature and straightforward implementation make it a powerful tool for demanding industrial optimization tasks, enabling solutions to problems previously considered intractable.

Tensor networks, a crucial component in the quantum computing stack, offer efficient methods for representing and processing complex, high-dimensional data. This approach not only provides powerful capabilities with current technology but also positions the solution to leverage future advancements in quantum computing hardware, as they can also be mapped onto quantum circuits, enabling execution and improved performance, leveraging large scale, fault tolerant quantum computing hardware.

Real-World Performance

The true test of any technology is its performance in real-world scenarios. As part of the project, TQOptimaX was deployed in the customer’s environment to benchmark an internal use case provided by Evonik. The results were significant, with Terra Quantum’s solution performing largely comparably with Evonik's state-of-the-art production solver. This achievement demonstrates that tensor network-powered solutions can effectively address industrial, production-grade challenges, moving beyond theoretical applications.

Markus Pflitsch, CEO and Founder of Terra Quantum, commented on the project's significance: "This collaboration showcases the practical potential of quantum technologies for industrial applications. With TQOptimaX, Terra Quantum are challenging limitations in optimization and demonstrating the value of quantum computing for real-world use cases."

Advancing Industrial Optimization

The successful implementation at Evonik represents a notable step in applying quantum-inspired technologies to industry challenges. Henrik Hahn, CDO of Evonik, shared his perspective: "Our work with Terra Quantum has proven that quantum computing solutions, such as TQOptimaX, can compete with the best solvers available. Terra Quantum look forward to exploring further applications of quantum computing in Terra Quantum’s operations as the technology continues to evolve."

Future Perspectives

This collaboration between Terra Quantum and Evonik opens up new possibilities for industrial optimization. As quantum technologies advance, Terra Quantum anticipate further improvements in solving complex, multi-objective optimization problems across various industries.