The quantum computing firm, D-Wave, has announced that it’s providing free access to its quantum computing systems via the Leap quantum cloud service for anyone helping to fight COVID-19. Several D-Wave partners have also agreed to provide access to engineering teams with quantum computing expertise as researchers try to develop solutions.
The partners that will provide technical assistance to researchers include CINECA, DENSO, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Kyocera Corporation, KYOCERA Communication Systems, MDR/Cliffhanger, Menten AI, NEC Solution Innovators Ltd., OTI Lumionics, QAR Lab at LMU Munich, Sigma-i, Tohoku University, and Volkswagen
D-Wave is not hanging around with its free access offer; in the announcement, it said that free access is available immediately to anybody working on a COVID-19 response in 35 countries across North America, Europe, and Asia where the Leap quantum cloud service is available. Some of the applications researchers will be able to develop on the quantum systems include new methods of diagnosis, modelling the spread of the virus, optimising hospital logistics, supply distribution, pharmaceutical combinations, and more.
Commenting on the news, Alan Baratz, CEO of D-Wave, said:
“D-Wave and its partners and customers have significant quantum computing expertise. Together, we hope we can aid the solutions to problems using hybrid quantum-classical solutions. We want to expand the computational capabilities available to experts across disciplines, verticals, and geographies and bring the community’s deep quantum knowledge to bear on the complex and dynamic COVID-19 situation.”
If you think you may be able to take advantage of this free access to help with solutions to COVID-19, head over to the D-Wave website and hit ‘Get Started’ on the COVID-19 banner at the top of the page or go directly to the sign-up page.
