Quantum computers have been a focus of modern IT research since the 1980s. Although quantum programming and quantum software are still seen as projects of the future, usable applications are actually expected within the current decade. Quantum computing is set to revolutionize our understanding of technology. This will be accompanied by some critical cybersecurity issues that all companies are going to find relevant in the near future. Therefore, they should already be working on their quantum readiness. LHIND offers associated workshops with input from qualified specialists who have taken part in international quantum challenges.
LHIND workshops on process optimization, IT security, and use of AI
Quantum computing software: Tackling the challenges of the future in the here and now
Definition: What is a quantum computer?
Quantum computers are extremely powerful machines that are capable of solving within minutes the kinds of problems that would take 10,000 years using conventional supercomputers. The basic unit of quantum computing is the qubit (which is short for quantum bit). The key difference compared to the conventional bit is that a qubit can occupy a continuum of states, while a bit can only be set to 0 or 1. When the qubit is not in a single state but – with a certain level of probability in each case – is in both states at the same time, it is called superposition. This allows many different permutations of a scenario to be simulated in parallel. The enormous power of quantum computing provides an opportunity for concrete business cases to be accelerated, automated, and solved in a way that was hitherto impossible. At the same time, quantum computing also has the potential to call into question current cybersecurity measures like never before. You are therefore advised to invest in the quantum readiness of your company in good time – by calling on the quantum computing software experts from LHIND.
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Quantum computing as both a challenge and a booster of all kinds of processes
Quantum computing is currently in the early stages of development as a research topic. However, businesses should already start preparing for the deployment of quantum computers by defining use cases and testing algorithms. It is expected to bring vast improvements in numerous industries:
- Risk analysis and portfolio management:
Quantum computing will allow financial institutions to develop complex mathematical models for assessing risks and optimizing portfolios – for better founded investment decisions and improved risk management. - Cryptography and blockchain technology:
In an ideal scenario, it will be possible to use quantum computers for the development of quantum-secure encryption techniques – for significantly better security in financial transactions and blockchain networks. - Derivative assessment and trading strategies:
Quantum computing will enable faster and more accurate calculation of option prices, and the development of complex trading strategies – for improved chances on the financial markets.
- Supply chain optimization:
Quantum computer software will be able to assist in solving complex logistical challenges, such as supply chain optimization, transport cost reductions, and inventory improvement – for more efficient production. - Process optimization and error detection:
The use of quantum computing will enable production processes to be optimized with a view to making better use of resources, reducing waste, and detecting errors in real time – for higher quality. - Materials research and product development:
Quantum computing software will enable simulation-assisted materials research with a view to discovering new materials with specific properties for product development – for products that are more innovative and more efficient.
- Grid optimization and load management:
Quantum technology will be able to help improve the complex process of optimizing the electrical grid in terms of the integration of renewable energies, load control, and energy storage – for an efficient and reliable electricity supply. - Energy forecasts and trading:
Quantum computer software will allow more precise forecasts of the electricity generated from renewable energy sources to support energy trading – for integrating renewable energies into the electrical grid. - Molecular simulations for improved photovoltaics:
With the help of quantum algorithms, it will be possible to perform complex molecular simulations – for increasing the efficiency of solar cells and other photovoltaic technologies.
- Route optimization and fleet management:
Quantum computing software will be able to help with the optimization of delivery routes, efficient fleet management, and improvements in logistics planning – for reduced costs and shorter delivery times. - Inventory management and demand forecasts:
Quantum computing software will be able to develop accurate inventory management models and produce more precise demand forecasts – for optimized inventories and the prevention of bottlenecks. - Supply chain transparency and track & trace:
The use of quantum computing software will enable logistics companies to ensure improved transparency within their supply chains by developing track & trace systems – for location and goods monitoring in real time.
- Flight plan optimization:
Quantum computing will be able to assist with flight plan optimization for the purpose of minimizing flight times, improving fuel efficiency, and reducing delays – for a more efficient aviation industry. - Maintenance and repair planning:
Quantum computing software will enable advanced aircraft data analysis for the purpose of developing predictive maintenance models, optimizing repair planning, and maximizing aircraft availability – for reduced operating costs. - Air safety and traffic management:
The use of quantum computers will enable complex air traffic analysis for the purpose of minimizing aviation accidents and optimizing traffic flows – for greater air safety.
In the future, quantum computers will be many tens of thousands times more powerful than the computers we work with today and use to design and optimize our processes. What this means in practice is that it will become possible in the future to provide exact solutions to operational optimization tasks that were previously unsolvable or unfeasible and could only be tackled approximately, thereby reducing the resources required:
- Materials sciences/simulation of new materials optimization solutions for production and logistics
- Supply chain optimization
- Flight path optimization
- Quantum machine learning (AI)
- Cybersecurity
Get ready for quantum computing – with the LHIND workshops
LHIND offers specially tailored workshop modules to help companies – particularly medium-sized ones – to get ready for quantum computing.
The experts who deliver the training have already gained practical experience of quantum software development by taking part in prestigious quantum challenges. Furthermore, our deep industry knowledge enables us to ask the right questions and, in turn, bring about the company’s transformation at exactly the right time. At our Security Consulting division, we have a team of experts dedicated to quantum security, who are there to ensure future-proof security architectures and quantum-secure encryption. Our services are constantly being updated in line with the latest research. By drawing on our expertise in the area of quantum road maps, we can tailor your bespoke quantum journey to the objectives of your company.
LHIND can offer you quantum computing workshops on the following topics:
“Foundations of quantum computing” module
- Basics:
How does quantum computing work and what impact will it have on various industries and business segments? - “Business indicators” module:
What is the current state of the research and what specific actions do the industrial and scientific communities need to take as a result? - “Technology & challenges” module:
What are the possible implementations of quantum computing and what restrictions currently apply?
“Development of operational use cases” module
- How can use cases be identified within the company?
- How do you evaluate the feasibility of the potential use cases?
- How do you develop a quantum road map?
- How do you prepare and select use cases for proof-of-concept studies?
“Implementation of quantum use cases” module
- The key to successfully implementing proof of concepts for the selected use cases
- Comparison: Benchmarking of quantum solutions vs. conventional solutions
- Joint coding workshop
- See and understand: Simulating quantum algorithms on high-performing computers
- Application: Execution of use case algorithms on quantum hardware
FAQs: Some important answers to questions frequently asked about quantum computing
The basic unit of quantum computing is the qubit (which is short for quantum bit). The classic bit from the conventional world of IT can only be set to one state: a value of either 0 or 1. By contrast, a qubit can occupy a continuum of states. That is what enables quantum computers to achieve such a high level of performance, surpassing anything we have ever seen before in the realm of computer technology.
One of the biggest dangers of quantum computing is that it could be used to crack encryption codes. The amount of power a quantum computer would need to defeat an RSA cryptosystem (for example) has been roughly calculated. The answer is that approximately 4,000 qubits would be required. However, to obtain a usable result, they would have to be corrected for errors. To achieve this, another 1,000 qubits would be required for each of these initial qubits. This means that a total of several million qubits would have to be involved. Currently, this is still a distant reality. However, in light of the progress that is being made, it is only a matter of time before quantum computing renders conventional encryption systems completely useless. Quantum-secure encryption systems already exist – and companies should be preparing to actually make use of them.
Yes. For a considerable period of time, quantum computing was purely a topic of research. Nevertheless, Germany has long been home to numerous startups that are already developing practical applications for quantum computers. Many established German names are now involved in quantum computers and quantum computing software, and came together some time ago to form the Quantum Technology and Application Consortium (QUTAC). As with any new technology, we have to assume that hackers will also take advantage of quantum technology for their own ends. “Quantum hackers” are way ahead of any company that has not yet protected itself against attacks of this kind, and it risks suffering substantial economic losses as a result.
Quantum computers offer massive potential for creating optimization solutions. Many optimization tasks – such as those relating to production or logistics – can be solved using relatively small quantum systems. There are already some quantum algorithms that can be scaled more effectively than conventional optimization methods.
At the moment, quantum computing still tends to be the preserve of large companies. Nevertheless, at LHIND, we have a consulting and project portfolio that also allows us to offer medium-sized companies the opportunity to evaluate quantum computing use cases and gain access to quantum computers.
In Germany, we are performing well internationally as far as research into quantum computers is concerned. There are already some promising projects underway that we intend to use as a vehicle for becoming a front-runner in practical applications and making our presence felt in this area.
What qualifies LHIND to be your expert partner for quantum computing readiness
LHIND’s quantum computing experts have been active in the research fields of quantum computing and quantum software development for some time, which includes taking part in international challenges.
With a view to expanding our intersectoral expertise, we are the co-founder and a member of various quantum computing consortia. Within this context, we jointly work on practical use cases and test – among other things – the use of various algorithms and pieces of hardware.
This expertise in the area of quantum technology means that we can also offer your company guidance on the use of quantum algorithms – to make your business processes more efficient. In this regard, we advise companies – particularly medium-sized ones – by providing workshops dedicated to the subject of quantum readiness.
Our deep industry knowledge enables us to ask the right questions and, in turn, bring about the company’s transformation at exactly the right time.
At our Security Consulting division, we also have a team of experts dedicated to quantum security, who are there to ensure future-proof security architectures and quantum-secure encryption.
Don’t delay! Prepare yourself now for the IT challenge of the future – with LHIND firmly by your side as an expert partner for quantum computing.
Submit your questions here to find out more about quantum computing: We look forward to hearing from you!