- IonQ (IONQ, Financial) and Kipu Quantum achieve a groundbreaking solution for protein folding on a quantum computer.
- The collaboration sets new records in solving complex quantum optimization problems.
- Future plans involve the use of advanced 64-qubit and 256-qubit chips to tackle industrial challenges.
Kipu Quantum, known for its pioneering application and hardware-specific quantum computing solutions, and IonQ (IONQ), a leader in commercial quantum computing, have announced a significant breakthrough in the field of quantum computing. The collaboration has led to the successful solution of the most complex protein folding problem ever executed on a quantum computer, marking a milestone in the industry.
This particular achievement involved solving a three-dimensional protein folding problem with up to 12 amino acids using state-of-the-art quantum hardware, setting an industry record. The teams also tackled complex optimization problems such as all-to-all connected spin-glass problems (QUBO) and MAX-4-SAT problems (HUBO) using up to 36 qubits, achieving optimal solutions in every instance.
The computations were executed on IonQ’s Forte generation systems using Kipu Quantum’s flagship BF-DCQO (Bias-Field Digitized Counterdiabatic Quantum Optimization) algorithm. This non-variational, iterative algorithm is resource-efficient and enhances the accuracy of solutions, proving particularly advantageous for tasks like protein folding.
As part of their ongoing collaboration, IonQ and Kipu Quantum plan to explore further applications by integrating upcoming 64-qubit and 256-qubit chips, potentially transforming fields like drug discovery, logistics, and material design. This effort underscores the continuous advancement and impact of quantum technology in solving industrial challenges.
