Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence

Quantum Ising algorithm for the shortest vector problem in lattice-based encryption, Dr Cong Ling, Reader in Coding and Information Theory, Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department, Imperial College London. Date: Wednesday 1st December 2021, 12.00-13.00hrs, online only.

Quantum computers are expected to break today’s public key cryptography within a few decades. New cryptosystems are being designed and standardised for the post-quantum era, and a significant proportion of these rely on the hardness of problems like the Shortest Vector Problem to a quantum adversary. Dr Cong will describe two variants of a quantum Ising algorithm to solve this problem.  The work was done in collaboration with David Joseph, Adam Callison and Florian Mintert, using D-Wave Systems quantum computing resources.

For more information see event announcement. This event has now passed.  Slides and recordings can be accessed via Mathematics for QT 2.0, Recordings and Mathematics for QT 2.0 SharePoint. 

D-Wave: Introduction to adiabatic quantum computing. Dr Victoria Goliver, Senior Technical Analyst and Irwan Owen, Regional Director EMEA, D-Wave Systems Inc. Wednesday 15^th September 2021, 12.00BST. 

There are two dominant approaches in play for achieving practical quantum computing (QC) at scale: gate model (GM), and quantum annealing (QA).  D-wave are at the forefront of developing adiabatic quantum computer technology and its applications.  D-Wave's early customers include Lockheed Martin, University of Southern California, Google/NASA and Los Alamos National Lab.

Starting with a high-level overview of quantum annealing, we’ll explore how we can interact with the hardware using the Ocean Software Development Kit, a Python programming package. To conclude, our guests will showcase some live demos and real-world customer applications.

For more information see event announcement.  This event has now passed.  Slides and recordings can be accessed via Mathematics for QT 2.0, Recordings and Mathematics for QT 2.0 SharePoint. 

QUEST programme by Quantum Technology Enterprise Centre, University of Bristol

Kimberley Brook, Programme Manager of Quantum Technology Enterprise Centre (QTEC). 8^TH September, 2021 12.00 BST. 

The Quantum Technology Enterprise Centre (QTEC) is launching QUEST, a six-month pre-incubator programme to support commercially driven researchers who are looking to develop deep technology companies.   QUEST will provide participants with the necessary training and support to create pre-seed technology ventures. Each cohort will have a specific technology focus with the first cohort focusing on quantum, quantum-enabling and quantum-inspired technologies starting in Autumn 2021.

Kimberley will introduce a programmed designed to support researchers who are looking to develop quantum technologies (QUEST) and commercialise them. The pre-incubator programme provides each cohort with a six month training and financial support to create pre-seed technology ventures.  

See event announcement for more details.

This event has now passed.  Slides and recordings can be accessed via Mathematics for QT 2.0, Recordings and Mathematics for QT 2.0 SharePoint. 

Quantum computing science, engineering, funding and innovation: a view from both camps. Prof. Terry Rudolph, Imperial College London and PsiQuantum. 23 July 2021, 17.00hrs BST. Online only.

Prof. Rudolph will talk about the progress in both physics and engineering of their approach at PsiQuantum, which is based around photonic qubits, and then touch on issues of the quantum ecosystem as a whole – how to deal with the hype and inevitable chicanery it attracts, and what is the most responsible way for us to use this new but scarce and expensive technology when it arrives?

Please see event announcement for more details. This event has now passed. 

All my program’s recordings can be accessed via Mathematics for QT 2.0, Recordings and Mathematics for QT 2.0 SharePoint.

Quantum Computing Course: A Primer. 12-23 July 2021. Online only.

• Dr Bruno Fedrici, Scientific Advisor & Lecturer on Quantum Technologies, National Institute of Applied Sciences (INSA), Lyon.

• Dr Cristina V. Sargent, Royal Society of Science: Entrepreneur in Residence at Imperial College, London, Mathematical methods, ML&AI for emerging quantum technologies.

A mix of theoretical and practical sessions, such as implementing quantum algorithms.

Please see course announcement for more details. This course has now ended. 

All my program’s recordings can be accessed via Mathematics for QT 2.0, Recordings and Mathematics for QT 2.0 SharePoint.

• Elena Strbac,  Executive Director, Standard Chartered Bank, Dr Marco Paini, Technology Partnerships Director, Europe, Rigetti Computing. Wednesday 21 July 2021, 14.00-15.30 BST

  The speakers will introduce the project, currently in progress, to build the UK’s first quantum computer to be commercially available. The project backed by the UK’s goverment, titled “Quantum Computing Platform for NISQ Era Commercial Applications”, is being led by Rigetti, in partnership with Oxford Instruments, Standard Chartered, Phasecraft, a Bristol and London-based quantum software start-up, as well as the University of Edinburgh. In the second half of the talk, the speakers will present quantum generative and discriminative models applied to financial use cases, part of the project’s quantum machine learning in finance work stream.
• Please see event announcement for more details. This event has now passed. Seminar recordings can be accessed via Mathematics for QT 2.0, Recordings.

Dr Simon Plant, Deputy Director for Innovation of the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC). Date: Wednesday 21 July 2021, 12.00-13.00 BST.

An overview of NQCC which is a new research institution, funded through UK Research and Innovation, which is dedicated to accelerating the development of quantum computing by addressing the challenges of scalability. The centre aims to work with businesses, government and the research community to deliver quantum computing capabilities for the UK and support the growth of the emerging industry. The NQCC is being delivered jointly by the research councils, EPSRC and STFC, and will be headquartered in a purpose-built facility at Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire, which is due for completion in 2023. This talk will focus on the strategic intent and progress of the NQCC’s programme, and plans for engagement.

Follow this link for event announcement. This event has now passed. Seminar recordings can be accessed via Mathematics for QT 2.0, Recordings.

Dr Rupesh Srivastava from the UK Quantum Computing & Simulation (QCS) Hub will give an update on the Quantum Computing landscape from a UK and global perspective.

Welcome to the quantum era! Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) devices are here and advancing rapidly! But what is all the excitement about? Who is interested in using them and why? What issues do we need to consider when developing a new and transformative technology?

This talk answers these questions and looks at the current state of play globally. The UK’s National Quantum Technologies Programme is presented with a spotlight on the role of the UK Quantum Computing and Simulation hub, a consortium of 17 universities and 25 industry partners, led by the University of Oxford.

Overview:   An introduction to quantum computing with Amazon including how to get started with Amazon Braket, how to build simple circuits and also run through a couple of example applications.

Jags Pusapadi, an experienced AWS Solutions Architect will also give us a tour around their main quantum computing dedicated centres:

Amazon Braket – A fully managed service that allows scientists, researchers, and developers to begin experimenting with computers from multiple quantum hardware providers in a single place. Amazon Braket provides high-performance simulators and direct access to physical Quantum Processing Units like Rigetti, IonQ and Dwave.

AWS Center for Quantum Computing – A research center adjacent to the California Institute of Technology that brings together the world’s leading quantum computing researchers and engineers in order to accelerate development of quantum computing hardware and software.

Amazon Quantum Solutions Lab – A program that connects AWS customers with quantum computing experts from Amazon and a very select set of consulting partners.

 Seminar recordings can be accessed via Mathematics for QT 2.0, Recordings.

Dr Wojciech Burkot, Co-founder and Chief Physics Officer of Beit Quantum Computing. Wednesday 19^th of May 2021, at 12:00pm BST, 13:00 CET. Online only.

An ability to run unstructured search algorithm (by Grover) on actual quantum hardware is crucial for the assessment of viability of Quantum Computing as a solution to hard business problems in warehousing, logistics, finance, risk management and manufacturing. Running any meaningful unstructured search on NISQ machines, limited to circuit depths of low tens, is hard. This effect has been demonstrated in 2018 by a team using IBM Q quantum computer solving, with probability better than 60%, a search of one out of 8 states. 

So far, nobody has been able to show a Grover search on real hardware even with N as low as 16. Dr Wojciech Burkot will talk about a family of algorithms especially constructed for NISQ computers promising much better results at currently available qubit counts and circuit depths and the consequences of having a hardware able to running them.

Seminar recordings can be accessed via Mathematics for QT 2.0, Recordings.

Dr Marco Paini, Program Director of Quantum Applications at Rigetti Computing. Date: Wednesday 7 April 2021, 12:00 (GMT), 13:00 (CET). Online.

After a short introduction to quantum computing, Marco will present the project, currently in progress, to build the UK’s first quantum computer to be commercially available. The project, titled “Quantum Computing Platform for NISQ Era Commercial Applications”, is being led by Rigetti, in partnership with Oxford Instruments, Standard Chartered, Phasecraft, a Bristol and London-based quantum software start-up, as well as the University of Edinburgh.

A general overview of the project and details from the quantum machine learning in finance work stream will be presented.

Seminar recordings can be accessed via Mathematics for QT 2.0, Recordings.

Professor Ashley Montanaro, Professor of Quantum Computation in the School of Mathematics at the University of Bristol, member of the Quantum Information Theory and Theory and Algorithms research groups. Date: Wednesday 31 March 2021, 12:00 (BST), 13:00 (CET).

Quantum computers are designed to outperform standard computers by running quantum algorithms. Areas in which quantum algorithms can be applied include cryptography, search and optimisation, simulation of quantum systems and solving large systems of linear equations. Prof. Montanaro will briefly present some known quantum algorithms, with an emphasis on their applications. He will also discuss recent developments and near-term applications of quantum algorithms.

Seminar recordings can be accessed via Mathematics for QT 2.0, Recordings.

Dr Bruno Fedrici, Scientific Advisor & Lecturer on Quantum Technologies, National Institute of Applied Sciences (INSA), Lyon. Wednesday 24 March 2021, 12:00 (GMT), 13:00 (CET).

A brief introduction to relevant concepts of quantum technologies, expected near/mid-term impacts on industries such as pharmacology, financial services and cyber security, as well as the development of the fast-growing quantum industry.

Seminar recordings can be accessed via Mathematics for QT 2.0, Recordings.

Prof. John Jeffers from the University of Strathclyde and QuantIC. Thursday 13 August 2020, 12:00 - 13:30 GMT.

Quantum Lidar is an extension of the Lidar concept. Lidar uses laser light for detection and ranging whereas Quantum Lidar uses entangled light to illuminate an area and detects reflected single photons to detect the position and the structure of objects. Quantum Lidar has the potential to offer many advantages including enhanced sensing and precision, covertness and resilience to spoofing attacks. Quantum Lidar is expected to have a wide range of applications from self-driving cars to archaeology and geology, atmospheric science and defence. 

However, to make quantum lidar viable in the real world we still have to solve many scientific and technological issues such as quantum illumination protocols to allow the signal detection in the daylight or more effective processing methods to turn the information from the returning photons such as phase and return time, into images, in useful time and with adequate resolution. These challenges may be resolved sequentially or in scientific and technological breakthroughs. We may need completely new approaches to the concept and realisation of quantum lidar.

Either way, the technology has a substantial mathematical component, from framework modelling and technology design to signal processing and this is an opportunity for those in the mathematical community who may want to be involved in the Quantum Lidar innovation journey. 

Seminar recordings can be accessed via Mathematics for QT 2.0, Recordings.

Christopher Baker, Chair in intelligent sensor systems, University of Birmingham and Chief Technology Officer of Aveillant Ltd, Jahanger Mohammad, Research Fellow, Quantum Sensors and Metrology Hub. Date: Thursday, 23nd of July 2020, 12:00 – 13:00hrs, GMT. Follow-up meeting: 13:30-15:00hrs GMT.

Quantum enabled radar will have a high impact on the air traffic surveillance industry as it will enable the detection of small, slow moving objects such as drones and birds at longer distances and in more cluttered environments such as urban areas. Quantum enabled radar uses quantum oscillators within a classical, holographic radar system for substantially increased performance. However, to build and deploy distributed surveillance systems with quantum enabled radar we require new design, modelling, simulation and processing methods. 

Each innovation stage has a substantial mathematical component and fresh thinking is required on how to tackle these challenges. You are invited to join us for an introductory seminar (Thursday23 July, 12:00 – 13:00hrs) on this topic with our guests Professor Chris Baker and Dr Mohammad Jahangir, world known specialists in radar systems.  We are opening a dialogue between the mathematical community and scientists working on this technology with a view to explore potential collaboration initiatives. Those interested are invited to join us for a follow-up discussion between 13:30 and 15:00hrs on the same day.

Seminar recordings and presentation materials can be accessed via Mathematics for QT 2.0, Recordings.

Prof. Timothy Spiller, Director, EPSRC Quantum Communications Hub Director, Centre for Quantum Technologies, University of York. Date: Thursday, 16 July 2020, 12:00 – 13:00hrs GMT

This seminar will introduce you to quantum communication research and innovation programs.  It will highlight challenges and mathematical problems in this area and the opportunities for mathematics researchers to contribute. Quantum communication involves the generation and use of quantum states and resources for communication protocols.   Typically, the underlying protocols are built on quantum random number generators (QRNG) for secret keys and quantum key distribution (QKD) for their secure distribution. Both areas, QRNG and QKD, require a combination of new quantum technologies and encryption protocols for security and performance. There are a considerable number of issues which need to be resolved and with the significant progress being made in building quantum computers, it is more and more urgent to replace the currently deployed public-key cryptography communication systems with quantum-resistant counterparts.

Seminar recordings can be accessed via Mathematics for QT 2.0, Recordings.

Evert Geurtsen, Co-Director for User Engagement of the Quantum Computing and Simulation Hub. Date: Thursday, 2nd of July 2020, 12:00pm - 1:00pm GMT.

The QCS Hub is a consortium of 17 Universities 28 companies led by the University of Oxford and is part of the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme. Evert will talk about the status and outlook for practical quantum computing and its applications. The UK is at the forefront of this technology and through its National Quantum Technologies Programme that involves a network of universities and companies, is building its economic advantage in the midst of global (and sometimes hyped) developments in this field. Evert will also explain how researchers can engage with the technology and the UK programme, including some dedicated funding opportunities.

Seminar recordings can be accessed via Mathematics for QT 2.0, Recordings.

Dr Cristina V. Sargent, Royal Society of Science: Entrepreneur in Residence. Thursday 28 May 2020 12:00 - 13:00hrs GMT.

Introduction to Quantum Technology 2.0 and UK's Quantum National Programme. An overview of quantum applications and innovation challenges which are relevant for the mathematical community.