SEQUOIA: Software Engineering of Industrial Hybrid Quantum Applications and Algorithms

Quantum computers are on the threshold from theory to practice. At the Competence Center Quantum Computing Baden-Württemberg, an IBM Q System One will be available from 2021 as the first quantum computer. This new type of computer offers high potential for industry and research. The reason for this is to enable new and more efficient solution processes in many areas, for example in manufacturing, development, industrial robotics and logistics, energy, finance, mobility and healthcare.

 In order to exploit the enormous potential of quantum computers, new software engineering methods and processes are required. Not least because in so-called hybrid processes the work has to be properly divided between conventional and quantum computing.

Based on use cases and user needs, new methods, tools and algorithms were developed. This includes quantum algorithms as well as technologies for the development process up to the execution of quantum circuits. This also includes methods for error mitigation as well as standardized interfaces. These technologies are applied in hybrid solutions that combine quantum algorithms with classical solution elements.

Demonstrators show how these hybrid solutions realize new possibilities and potentials at the domain level.

All results converge in the SEQUOIA software engineering model, which serves as a blueprint for quantum software implementation with processes and best practices.

In addition, the results are continuously coordinated with future users in the SEQUOIA application center within the framework of the "Competence Center Quantum Computing Baden-Württemberg" (KQCBW) and made accessible to a broad expert public.

The goal of SEQUOIA was to research, develop and test new methods, tools and procedures for quantum computing in order to enable the use of hybrid quantum applications and algorithms by industry in the future. Key results are:

• Establishment of the SEQUOIA application center for quantum computing.
• The SEQUOIA component kit with software components for hybrid quantum applications and algorithms on the project homepage.
• The SEQUOIA model for quantum software engineering.