Work Packages
JHPC-quantum
09.
Research and Development of a Quantum-HPC Integrated PaaS System for Practical Application and Commercialization
Connecting Quantum and HPC. Building a PaaS for Business.
Overview
In this project, we will develop a PaaS system linking quantum computing and high-performance computing (HPC), and conduct trials toward its practical use and commercialization. Through the Test User Program (TUP) and TUP Light, external companies and research institutes will be invited to use the prototype environment so that we can assess its applicability to real-world business challenges and identify usability issues and required functionality. Feedback obtained through these programs will be reflected in improvements to the PaaS system and the verification of business hypotheses, with the aim of building cooperative relationships and an ecosystem for future business development.
Detail
Quantum computers are expected to be used in a wide range of industries, including quantum chemical simulations for drug discovery and materials development, optimization in manufacturing, transportation, and finance, and the advancement of machine learning. However, technologies for the practical use of quantum computers are still under research and development, and environments in which corporate users without specialized expertise can apply quantum computing to their own business challenges and evaluate its potential are not yet widely available. In addition, it remains difficult to solve practical problems using quantum computers alone. Linking them with conventional computing resources, such as HPC systems and quantum computing simulators, is therefore essential to expand the range of problems that can be addressed.
In this work package, we will develop a computing environment linking quantum computers and HPC as a quantum-HPC linked PaaS system that corporate users can access through the cloud. Centered on a cloud-based PaaS portal, the system will provide an integrated quantum application development environment, GUI-based workflow building and execution tools, job submission, retrieval of computation results, user authentication, and access control.
Using a web browser, users will be able to build and save processes combining quantum computers, HPC systems, and quantum computing simulators, and rerun them with different data and conditions. This will provide an environment in which users can develop and evaluate applications utilizing software linking quantum computing and HPC without having to manage the details of the underlying computing resources.
At the same time, we will explore promising use cases and business hypotheses through trials with corporate users. Our primary focus will be on chemistry, materials, and drug discovery, which are highly compatible with quantum chemical computation, while also considering optimization, machine learning, finance, manufacturing, and telecommunications. Together with corporate users, we will examine their computational challenges, the limitations of existing methods, and the expected benefits of linking quantum computing and HPC, as well as the functionality and operational methods required to deploy practical applications.
To support this effort, we will utilize the Test User Program (TUP) and TUP Light. Through the TUP, the quantum-HPC linked platform developed in this project will be made available to external companies and research institutes to assess its applicability to real-world business challenges. TUP Light will provide a more accessible trial environment for users wishing to experience the platform. Feedback on usability, required functionality, connectivity with computing resources, security, support, and operational issues will be reflected in the expansion of PaaS functionality, operational improvements, and the verification of business hypotheses.
We will also recruit new trial users and build cooperative relationships through seminars and events, as well as collaboration with quantum-related communities and research institutes. By working with corporate users to create use cases and promote application development, we aim to build an ecosystem for commercialization in which prospective user companies, research institutes, and technology providers can collaborate on an ongoing basis.
SoftBank is exploring the potential of new computing services that link AI, HPC, and quantum computers by leveraging AI data centers and cloud infrastructure, as part of its efforts to realize the next-generation social infrastructure required in the AI era. In this work package, we will pursue the development of the PaaS system, trial use through the TUP and TUP Light, improvements based on user feedback, and collaboration with companies and research institutes in an integrated manner. Rather than limiting the R&D results to temporary demonstrations, we will build a foundation for developing them into services that corporate users can use on an ongoing basis, with the aim of expanding the industrial use of quantum technologies and advancing next-generation social infrastructure.
Project Members
SoftBank Corp.
Project Leader
- Nobushige Oguri
- Toshihiro Aoki
- Ryuto Kawabata
- Satoshi Kanno
- Yuki Kishida
- Masahiko Kiminami
- Yosuke Komiyama
- Toshihiro Sasaki
- Katsumi Shiho
- Yoshiaki Shimada
- Shoichi Sudo
- Shun Seo
- Tadahiro Chujo
- Kibu To
- Jun Towada
- Rei Nishimura
- Masakazu Hokamura
- Taito Maeda
- Shigetora Miyashita
- Masayuki Miyashita
- Hiroshi Yamauchi
