The Quantum Software Alliance (QSA) will champion and co-ordinate the development of quantum software and algorithms to support quantum computing’s shift from lab-based theory to real-world applications.
Its Strategic Vision will focus on the vital contributions quantum software will make in the drive towards practical quantum computing – transforming outputs from small and noisy machines to creating fresh applications that deliver innovative outcomes for social and economic development.
The Vision combines the knowledge and experience of researchers across four continents to provide practical recommendations to accelerate the discovery of new software and algorithms to enhance the performance of large-scale hardware platforms.
Another key action for the partnership is to create a Global Research Agenda that will provide a coherent development framework for the research community, enable closer collaboration with other stakeholders and inform policy and funding decisions.
With its global outlook and independent ethos, the QSA will champion the development of open and interoperable solutions that can boost collaboration and innovation.
It also explores the open questions confronting researchers who are developing software algorithms and protocols for many-qubit quantum processors.
The QSA also makes a direct appeal to policymakers and funding agencies to support these community-driven efforts, and to formulate quantum research programmes that place a more strategic focus on the development of quantum algorithms and software.
"Quantum algorithms and quantum software are complementary but not the same: while we have developed many algorithms for decades, we are now at the stage where running them on real hardware - experimenting and iterating - matters enormously. Building robust quantum software is crucial both for making useful, reliable predictions from quantum computations and for translating those capabilities into industry, much as classical IT does today." Professor Oleksandr Kyriienko, the University of Sheffield
Professor Elham Kashefi, Chief Scientist of the UK's National Quantum Computing Centre and a convener of the QSA, said: "Even the most powerful quantum computer will need software and algorithms to create useful applications that deliver genuine benefits for industry and society.
“We now need a dedicated focus on developing quantum algorithms and protocols that can derive the most value from scalable hardware platforms, otherwise there is a real risk that a fault-tolerant machine will not be able to achieve the computational advantage that has been promised for quantum computing."
Professor Chris Heunen, Chair of the QSA steering committee, said: "Our role at the QSA is to ensure that quantum software researchers receive the attention and support they need to accelerate the innovation pathway towards practical quantum computing.
“Their unique talents and insights will be essential to unlock the applications that make the best use of different qubit platforms, and to create full-stack systems that realize the full potential of quantum computing."
During the closing ceremony of the International Year of Quantum, where the launch of the QSA was announced, Professor Yasser Omar, Professor at IST, University of Lisbon, member of the Steering Committee of the International Year of Quantum and member of the QSA Steering Committee, said: "The QSA brings together stakeholders from different continents to develop a Global Research Agenda in Quantum Software.
“This is a first in Quantum Science and Technology, leveraging the expertise available around the world to create a common vision and way forward, in this case to find the most impactful ways to exploit the potential of quantum computation.
“Furthermore, the launch of the QSA today shows how the closing of the International Year of Quantum is also the beginning of a global quantum initiative, setting the ground for others to follow, and for the establishment of an international Quantum Decade."
About the Quantum Software Alliance (QSA):
The QSA is an international network of experts from leading research institutes. Its mission is to highlight the critical role that quantum software and algorithms must play as quantum computing enters the era of practical utility and advantage, and to develop and maintain a Global Research Agenda that will guide the community towards long-term success. The QSA is committed to fair and open development, connecting and growing the research community, and providing independent and expert advice to government, industry and the general public. For more information, visit quantumsoftwarealliance.org