Project description
Research paves the way for the first applications of near-term quantum devices
Quantum computers could spur the development of new breakthroughs in science and technology. However, utilising their advantage requires breaking barriers in development, optimisation and benchmarking of quantum algorithms. We are currently in the ‘noisy’ era of quantum computing with noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) processors. Such devices are limited in their ability to run textbook quantum algorithms. The EU-funded FINE-TEA-SQUAD project aims to develop a unifying framework that will enable NISQ devices to find practical applications. Researchers will design protocols for quantum state preparation and characterise broad families of states that can be prepared in a scalable way. They will also develop a practical certification toolset amenable to near-term devices, with special focus on the generation of certified randomness from a single NISQ device.
Objective
Quantum technologies have set remarkable milestones in the last years, e.g. with quantum advantage experiments and loophole-free Bell tests. Despite this progress, the quantum devices we currently have, the so-called noisy, intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) devices, are too imperfect to run textbook quantum algorithms, yet they hold great potential. With their advent, much research has been devoted to finding them a first practical application. Focus on optimization, quantum chemistry and machine learning has been intense, and the developments are closely monitored by governments and industry alike. Variational algorithms in a classical-quantum feedback loop and adiabatic algorithms have been the dominant paradigm. However, important bottle-necks remain that severely maim the performance of NISQ devices and the field yearns for a novel approach.
FINE-TEA-SQUAD, FIrst NEar-TErm ApplicationS of QUAntum Devices, proposes a radically new vision: to develop a unifying framework that will yield the first practical applications of NISQ devices. The main objectives are (A) to design experimentally-friendly protocols for quantum state preparation circumventing major existing bottlenecks (high number of repetitions, noise-induced barren plateaus...) and characterize broad families of states that can be prepared in a scalable way, (B) to develop a practical certification toolset amenable to near-term devices, with especial focus on the generation of certified randomness from a single NISQ device. The key idea is to use the hardness of many-body physics in a classical verifier-quantum prover interactive protocol. This approach will overcome the existing limitations of current approaches: it will be both easy to prepare and easy to verify (C) to overcome current hardware scalability limitations by combining several NISQ nodes into a small quantum network, and develop the appropriate theoretical framework to efficiently tailor and run quantum algorithms on them.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
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Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2021-STG
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2311 EZ Leiden
Netherlands
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