We Make Qubits Valuable

Making batteries more efficient, discovering new materials, researching individualized medicines: Quantum computers are supposed to achieve all of this within just a few years. Iris Schwenk, co-founder of the quantum start-up HQS Quantum Simulations, told us in an interview what the technology can already handle today and which industries will be the first to benefit from its breakthrough.??

Iris, why do we need quantum computers at all??

Conventional computers simply reach their limits when it comes to solving complex problems. You can, of course, build ever larger, ever more powerful computing centers, and yes, that helps with many problems. But with other problems, you run out of options at some point. That's where quantum computers come in. They have the huge advantage that they – like our entire environment – are based on the rules of quantum mechanics. That's why they can easily simulate how electrons and atoms behave. That again is elementary, for example, if you want to understand and explain why a material is magnetic or emits light and optimize the corresponding properties.??

What motivates you to work in this area??

Our founding team has known each other since our days at university. When we decided to found a start-up in 2017, we had all been researching quantum computing for some time. So, we knew that there was a lot happening in the field. And we definitely wanted to be in the game when quantum computing takes off. Our goal is to make use of the new technology to solve real problems that currently can’t be solved - and in doing so, perhaps make the world a little better. This might sound pathetic, but this will only happen through hard work and close interaction with the industry. We need to understand where developments are hitting a snag. Then, with this knowledge, we can build the necessary bridges between industry and quantum technology that is still in its infancy. And with that we can give others the tools to solve the big and important problems of our society.?

What do these bridges look like??

We are closing the gap between basic academic research on quantum computers and real challenges in the development of new products or materials. To do so, we are developing simulation software that is especially suited to the fields of pharmaceuticals, materials research, and chemistry. We believe that these are the sectors in which quantum computers will first show their strengths to the full because, as I said, their performance is always at its best when it comes to analyzing the behavior of atoms and electrons. Such simulations are crucial, for example, in research into new materials for more powerful e-car batteries. Or in the field of personalized medicine.??

Does your software already use quantum computers for this??

We offer a tool chain that is based on conventional High Performance Computing (HPC), but at the same time takes advantage of the possibilities of quantum computing. Basically, our software breaks down complex questions – how a molecule docks to DNA, for example – into a number of smaller issues. Many of these sub-questions can then be solved using conventional HPC methods, while other sub-questions require the help of quantum computing. The enormous advantage for our customers is that with our tool chain they can already learn today where quantum computing will help them tomorrow. That gives them an enormous head start because they can deploy quantum computers much more quickly and efficiently as soon as they will become available on a larger scale. At the same time, we are solving many problems already today by using our software and conventional simulation methods.?

How soon might we see a breakthrough in quantum computing??

That's extremely difficult to estimate. Quantum computers already work, but often are not yet economical and make too many mistakes. One of our big advantages is that we have designed our software in a way that even allows us to exploit some of these errors for our ends. At the same time, we are seeing quantum computers making more and more progress. The major players continue making huge investments in the technology. Last year, a new all-time investment record was set. However, no one can precisely say when the big breakthrough will happen.?

Until then, how does your business model work??

At the moment, we sell our software primarily to HPC centers. They are some of the first adopters of quantum computers because they also must prepare for the upcoming revolution and are therefore experimenting with quantum computers. As I said, the software we offer also runs on these early, experimental quantum computers. This differentiates us from many of our competitors in the market. At the same time, since our company foundation we've been working with many large industry partners and now understand quite well where quantum computing will become a real gamechanger. This year, we and our partners at the Q-Exa consortium will also install the first quantum computer manufactured in Germany at the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre in Garching near Munich. Our next step will then be to sell our tool chain as a SaaS model.?

When you select your investors, what is important to you??

It’s crucial that our VCs understand why our business doesn't take off from one day to the other but is rather a long-term investment. That's exactly why we chose UVC Partners. You get the perseverance that is needed for such a business and understand precisely what is important when it comes to DeepTech. You are aware that it can take a little longer in this field and why uncertainties with DeepTech are on a completely different level. This trust helps us enormously. Just like the exchange with other DeepTech start-ups from UVC Partners’ portfolio and the connection to UnternehmerTUM.?

Which milestone do you want to take next???

Our big goal is to demonstrate "Quantum Advantage" this year. We want to prove that we can use our software and quantum computers to solve an interesting, specific, and real-world relevant problem. What Google did was to create an artificial problem and then show that it can be solved better with quantum computers than with conventional methods. We want to solve a problem, which is also directly linked to an industrial issue. Thanks to our successful series A, we are currently hiring heavily for this and other purposes. We plan to grow from 30 to 45 people this year and to hire another 10 to 15 people in the next two years. So, if you feel like writing quantum history with us: We are looking forward to hearing from you! This shoutout goes also to experienced and enthusiastic software developers without background knowledge of quantum technologies!?