Quantum computing could be one of the big technological revolutions of the coming decades. EPFL is working on making it accessible and useful for addressing pressing global issues.
Quantum computing is still in its early stages, and many challenges remain before it becomes practical. In addition to research on designing new or improved quantum devices, there is focus on creating new quantum algorithms that can address real-world problems.
EPFL researchers are already working on pioneering projects to develop quantum computing applications that address the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in collaboration with the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA) and the Open Quantum Institute (OQI) at CERN.
"The use cases we work on apply methods and tools of quantum computing to areas such as the environment, food, transportation, energy, and medicine in developing countries," explains Vincenzo Savona, professor at the Laboratory of Theoretical Physics of Nanosystems and academic director of the EPFL Center for Quantum Science and Engineering (QSE).
Although we are still far from a full deployment of quantum systems, quantum computing capabilities are potentially advantageous in specific cases, such as the optimization of complex problems in logistics, transportation and the supply chain. They could help find the most efficient route for delivery trucks between two points - thereby reducing fuel consumption, enable better allocation of medical resources, and help efficiently distribute energy through power grids. "These are problems that, in general, classical computers cannot address efficiently," Savona says.
Savona leads one of the use cases which explores quantum computing for the optimization of autonomous production of food in regions of South Africa, in line with SDG2: Zero Hunger. This use case involves the potential to use quantum computing to precisely calculate the amount and type of crops needed in a large network where there are many producers managed by different authorities. This use case has been selected by the OQI to be implemented on an actual quantum computer, practically testing the value of quantum algorithms for this goal.
"And if the conclusion is that quantum computers are not suitable for this particular problem, that's actually an important output as well," says Savona.
Getting quantum researchers to talk with UN organizations and to see the potential real-world impact of their work is also true progress, as it makes them more engaged with societal problems.
"The next generation of quantum leaders developing solutions"
To prepare EPFL students to address problems like these, the elective course "Aspects of quantum science and sustainability" was created for the master's program in quantum science and engineering. "As EPFL is introducing courses in sustainability at both the bachelor's and master's levels, we decided to create a domain-specific elective class focused on quantum," says Nicolas Macris, EPFL professor and director of the master's program, who co-created the course.
The course explores how quantum could be applied to sustainability use cases, and features a hard science component addressing thermodynamics of computation and costs of quantum versus classical computing. It also includes guest lectures from external experts and a quantum diplomacy role-playing game.
"Quantum could solve, in principle, problems that are today intractable by conventional computers," says Marianne Schoerling of GESDA, who led the game. "But how can we ensure quantum is used to benefit all?"
Accessibility and anticipation
It is also important that quantum technologies are available to people worldwide, not just to those at universities in wealthy countries. This is the goal of the OQI and a new project, Schiiq, co-led by the QSE Center at EPFL with FHNW.
This project will help design and provide small educational quantum computers to underserved countries and communities. The computers are based on nuclear magnetic resonance, the earliest quantum computing platform. This platform is now superseded by superconducting or trapped-ion technologies, but is suited to education, as it operates at room temperature and is easy to build.
"Partnering Schiiq with the educational branch of OQI, we could reach partners and countries from the Global South at an early stage, ensuring co-development and reducing the quantum education opportunity gap," says Caroff.
Overall, as quantum technologies become more ubiquitous and more effective, it is imperative to engage various international stakeholders - such as policymakers, diplomats and ecosystem builders - from an early stage. In contrast to other technologies that are already having unintended consequences, quantum is still in the early stages and there is the opportunity to be proactive to ensure that quantum technologies are developed and deployed responsibly.
