How can executives capitalize on the promise of quantum computing for their businesses? ManMohan Sodhi and Sridhar Tayur suggest a low-risk approach using quantum-inspired computing.
This lecture series on Quantum Integer Programming (QuIP) -- created by Professor Sridhar Tayur, David E. Bernal, and Dr. Davide Venturelli, a collaboration between CMU and USRA, with the support from Amazon Braket during Fall 2020 -- is intended for students and researchers interested in Integer Programming and the potential of near term quantum and quantum-inspired computing in solving optimization problems. Originally created for Tepper School of Business course 47-779 (at CMU), these were also used for the course ID5840 (at IIT-Madras, by Professors Anil Prabhakar and Prabha Mandayam) whose students (listed at the beginning of each lecture) were scribes. Dr. Vikesh Siddhu, post-doc in CMU Quantum Computing Group, assisted during the lectures, student projects, and with proof-reading this scribe. Through these lectures one will learn to formulate a problem and map it to a Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimization (QUBO) problem, understand various mapping and techniques like the Ising model, Graver Augmented Multiseed Algorithm (GAMA), Simulated or Quantum Annealing and QAOA, and ideas on how to solve these Integer problems using these quantum and classical methods.
Abstract Quantum computing and quantum-inspired technologies are set to significantly impact the energy sector, enhancing optimisation and simulation processes to enable studies that cannot be performed today. At Siemens Energy, our studies have shown potential to address complex challenges in grid management, power distribution, and scarce resource allocation. One of the important examples of where quantum computing holds promise is in the field of optimisation, where physical systems are used to find low energy (i.e. high quality) states (i.e. solutions) to systems that could support many configurations (i.e. combinatorial optimisation problems). The integration of quantum computing into the energy industry promises to deliver improvements in several fields, including cost reduction, increased system reliability, and importantly to be able to make better use of existing resources. Currently in the early stages of research and development, Siemens Energy’s work is showing that combinatorial optimisation problems are all around us in the energy sector. Practical quantum-inspired and hybrid approaches can be used today to solve some of these problems and bring benefits in areas which would have previously not employed optimisation traditionally. This gives us the opportunity and tools to attempt new and innovative approaches to decarbonisation and attempt previously insoluble challenges in the industry.