Despite the 'quantum' in its name, no quantum computer was used in this project. However, Microsoft Quantum's leader, Krysta Svore, remains optimistic about the future integration of quantum computing in such projects. She believes Microsoft will be able to build a quantum supercomputer using its Majorana-based qubits within the next decade.
Key takeaways:
- Microsoft has collaborated with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) to use its Azure Quantum Elements service to narrow down millions of potential new battery materials to a few, with one now in the prototype stage.
- Azure Quantum Elements, launched last summer, combines AI and traditional high-performance computing techniques into a workbench for scientific computing, with the future promise of providing access to Microsoft’s quantum supercomputer.
- Using Azure Quantum Elements, the researchers at PNNL were able to reduce 32 million inorganic materials to 18 candidates for their battery project in 18 months, a process that would typically take years.
- Despite the progress, the practical application of quantum computing in such processes is still a few years away, with the current focus being on building a quantum supercomputer that uses Microsoft's Majorana-based qubits within the next decade.