Thales Collaborates on Quantum Simulation for Aerospace

Thales, in partnership with quantum technology developer Alice & Bob and French research lab Inria, has embarked on a groundbreaking project to develop quantum algorithms for the next generation of aerospace equipment in France. This €2.6 million initiative, spearheaded by Thales, will leverage the quantum technology from Alice & Bob to create algorithms capable of significantly enhancing the simulation of aerospace devices like radar and telecommunications antennas.

Alice & Bob recently unveiled a 16-qubit quantum processor as part of their transition towards Fault Tolerant Quantum Computers. This cutting-edge technology will be utilized to execute quantum algorithms that can exponentially accelerate electromagnetic simulations, paving the way for optimizing the design of airborne equipment within the aerospace industry.

The collaborative effort, known as the three-year i-Démo Régions project, aligns with the France 2030 plan aimed at bolstering the competitiveness cluster in the Paris region. The project will also evaluate the necessary resources and establish a timeline for the eventual availability of quantum computers to support these advancements.

Within the scope of the project, Alice & Bob and Thales will focus on refining quantum algorithms for advanced electromagnetic simulations, which will then be tested on airborne equipment such as radars and antennas. This testing phase will enable the estimation of the precise number of qubits required to industrialize and scale up these innovative solutions.

Inria, the esteemed French research lab, will play a pivotal role by developing and providing the programming and compilation tools essential for the quantum algorithms. These tools will be customized and implemented by Alice & Bob on their Fault Tolerant Quantum Computer (FTQC) demonstrators, marking a significant step towards practical application.

“The initiation of this project underscores our commitment to establishing global leadership in quantum computing and our proficiency in achieving this goal,” remarked Théau Peronnin, CEO of Alice & Bob. “Through our support for the development of fault-tolerant quantum computers featuring high-quality qubits, France is poised to be at the forefront of quantum technology innovation.”

“This collaboration capitalizes on the complementary strengths of Alice & Bob and Thales,” noted Bernhard Quendt, Chief Technology Officer of Thales, during his recent visit to Alice & Bob's headquarters in Paris. “Our combined expertise will drive technological advancements in the aerospace sector, setting the stage for transformative progress in the industry.”

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