Quantum computing isn’t necessarily the future of computing, but it’s certainly an important part of technological advancement. All the big players in the tech world are always looking to stay ahead of the curve, and Microsoft is no exception. This week, the company officially launched the Microsoft Quantum Network, an alliance of like-minded partners. The goal is to “share knowledge and collaborate with the best innovators in quantum computing” to help advance quantum computing.
Quantum computing has unique capabilities that allow it to be much more useful than conventional solutions, especially when it comes to AI. The (not insignificant) goal of the Microsoft Quantum Network is to help develop the world's first quantum computers and quantum applications.
Speaking at Microsoft’s inaugural summit, Todd Holmdahl, Vice President of the Azure Hardware Systems Group, said: “The Microsoft Quantum Network is our commitment to building the partnerships needed to create the quantum workforce and the quantum economy. We believe both are vital to solving some of the world’s most difficult problems.
Beyond the Microsoft Quantum Network website, Microsoft explains that:
The Microsoft Quantum Network is a global community of individuals and organizations working with Microsoft to learn, research, and release quantum computing applications and hardware supported by access to the Quantum Development Kit, research and experts, exclusive access to Azure services, and labs for quantum programming and algorithm development.
Microsoft has previously announced several partners it has been working with on quantum computing projects, and with the official launch of the Microsoft Quantum Network, the company has welcomed two more. HQS Quantum Simulations – which specializes in quantum algorithms for predicting molecular properties for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries – and Rahko – are joining forces to work together with evolution in mind.
