ICHEC, Equal1 take unified approach to quantum computing

Organisations jointly engage with other stakeholders to seek funding for the operation and services of high performance and quantum computing

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Dr Venkatesh Kannan, ICHEC

Equal1 and the Irish Centre for High-End Computing (ICHEC) have signed a memorandum of understanding that will see both entities work together to advance the deployment of high performance computing and quantum computing (HPC-QC) in Ireland and Europe to drive technical innovation, address complex scientific and industrial challenges and maintain global competitiveness. This collaboration will take the form of:

• Engaging jointly with other stakeholders to seek national-level funding and support for the operation and services of HPC-QC platforms for enterprise, academic and public sector organisations.
• Leveraging national and European programmes to collaboratively develop and engage in R&D on Equal1’s quantum computers and subsequent upgrades through 2026.
• Accelerating Quantum-HPC integration by conducting joint RD&I projects towards interoperable coupling and interfacing HPC supercomputers with QC systems.
• Enable Ireland to develop and deploy HPC-QC platforms and services for national users through synergy with the National Strategy for Quantum Technology, EU Quantum initiatives (e.g. Quantum Flagship, EuroHPC JU) and global activities (e.g. IEEE Quantum).

Commenting on the agreement, Venkatesh Kannan, associate director, ICHEC said: “ICHEC has a track record since 2018 of strongly positioning Ireland in European and international R&I activities by developing and interfacing HPC and QC technologies in hardware and software infrastructure as well as their use-cases and skills development.

He continued: “The ultimate beneficiaries of the Equal1-ICHEC partnership will be national users across academia, industry and public sector for research, innovation and competence development, propelling the realisation of Ireland’s Quantum 2030 National Strategy.”

Jason Lynch, CEO of Equal1, said: “This collaboration marks a significant leap in driving forward innovation and positioning Ireland and Europe at the forefront of the global quantum race. Quantum technology has already shown its potential to materially accelerate growth in areas where Ireland and Europe are currently leaders, surpassing the capabilities of conventional computing.

“By working closely with ICHEC, we aim to create a robust ecosystem that integrates high-performance computing and quantum computing, continuing our journey to make quantum computing accessible and practical for real-world applications.”

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