EniQmA

Enabling hybrid quantum applications

© Project EniQma

Project description
Industrially relevant applications of quantum computing are almost always hybrid applications that combine classical software and implementations of quantum circuits. However, the creation of such applications is currently largely ad-hoc. The EniQmA project aims to develop a targeted engineering approach to the creation of such hybrid quantum-classical applications based on concrete industrial use cases. Such a quantum software engineering comprises methodical approaches and process models for the creation of hybrid applications, quality criteria for their implementation, the development and use of corresponding tools and runtime environments as well as the operation of the applications.

Challenge and Innovation
The development of quantum applications with an industrial dimension has so far required heterogeneous teams of experts from different disciplines such as quantum physics, application development and IT systems operations. The methods, software components and development tools developed in EniQmA are intended to significantly simplify this process. The main task addressed by the EniQmA project is the structuring, definition and implementation of workflow-based processes for efficient quantum software engineering. Within the framework of these processes, corresponding tool chains are to be implemented in a prototypical manner together with an associated orchestrator and evaluated on the basis of the use cases of the industry partners. Various techniques and algorithms will be used, which will be designed and researched by the EniQmA research partners.

Solution approach
Latest techniques, such as the implementation of Warm Starting and extensions of existing variational quantum algorithms, will be developed in the context of hybrid applications. A tool for comparing classical and quantum-based building blocks for hybrid applications will be provided and further benchmarking will be enabled by means of a benchmarking suite. The analysis of hybrid applications will enable an optimal allocation of resources of the quantum computer. The proposed concepts, algorithms and processes will be thoroughly evaluated and adapted based on the gained knowledge. EniQmA follows an agile approach that allows to quickly validate concepts using continuously developed prototypes.

Consortium
Fraunhofer FOKUS, Fraunhofer ITWM, Universität Stuttgart, Umlaut Solutions, Freie Universität Berlin, Deutsche Bahn / DB Systel

Duration
August 2022 – July 2025

Budget
Total cost: € 9.3 million
Funding volume: € 6.6 million