Project description
High-order photonic tensor computing for quantum simulations
Significant progress has been made in quantum simulation and computing algorithms. However, research still relies on classical digital architecture, particularly GPU-accelerated tensor processing, which is driving up energy costs. Although photonic computing shows promise as an alternative, its current limitations restrict its effectiveness. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the QUEST project will use the parallelism and low energy consumption of photonic computing to enable efficient and scalable simulation of quantum algorithms and quantum machine learning models. At the same time, it will train a researcher to become a leading expert in photonic computing and quantum technologies. Overall, the project aims to advance fundamental and applied research by bridging optical computing with next-generation quantum simulation.
Objective
Current quantum simulation and computing algorithm research still relies on classical digital architectures, most notably GPU-accelerated tensor processing, since practical quantum computers remain in their early stages. However, with Moore’s Law approaching its limits, digital platforms face mounting challenges in power consumption and scalability, making large-scale quantum simulations increasingly costly and inefficient. Photonic computing has recently emerged as a promising alternative, offering ultra-high bandwidth, massive parallelism, and low energy consumption. Yet, existing photonic paradigms remain limited: they either excel only at narrow tasks or deliver performance comparable to GPUs in general tensor operations, leaving them unsuitable for large-scale quantum simulation. To address this gap, this project introduces a new paradigm of high-order photonic tensor processing that directly bridges classical optical computing with quantum simulation. The proposed platform unites flexibility with massive parallelism, enabling efficient, scalable simulations that surpass conventional digital approaches and accelerate the development of next-generation quantum technologies.
The key goals of the project are: (1) To design a high-order photonic tensor computing platform for the simulation of quantum computing algorithms and quantum machine learning frameworks; (2) To provide comprehensive training to Dr. Yufeng Zhang, a skilled and talented researcher, to establish him as a leading scientist in the rapidly evolving field of photonic computing and quantum technology.
This multidisciplinary project has great implications on photonic computing, computer science, and quantum technology such as quantum simulation, algorithms, and quantum machine learning, and will involve both fundamental and applied research.
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CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences computer and information sciences artificial intelligence machine learning
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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.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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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.
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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-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
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(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
02150 Espoo
Finland
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