IBM, Université de Sherbrooke announce two quantum research chairs

The Université de Sherbrooke is at the heart of a thriving quantum ecosystem that includes more than 10 quantum startups and established organizations. With PINQ2 and Hydro-Québec, UdeS is also a founding member of the IBM Quantum Sustainability Working Group. The working group's goal is to design quantum computing and hybrid solutions to address sustainability challenges in the fields of materials and energy. In April of this year, the Banff International Research Station will host the IBM Quantum Sustainability Working Group Workshop in Banff, Alberta.The Université de Sherbrooke (UdeS), a long-time IBM Quantum Network partner, is launching the first two IBM Quantum Research Chair positions as part of its Institut quantique (IQ). Supported by IBM Canada, the chairs will conduct student-driven projects focused in three areas over a five-year term.

The first area involves driving algorithm discovery using IBM’s current utility-scale quantum computers — including In 2023, PINQ2 and IBM unveiled the country’s first IBM Quantum System One, which Université de Sherbrooke’s IQ has dedicated access to the system. Read more, here.PINQ²’s IBM Quantum System One, and future systems that will be capable of error correction by the end of the decade. The second focuses on running large-scale quantum hardware demonstrations pushing the capabilities of IBM systems toward quantum advantage. And the third explores how to translate algorithm research into industrial applications with support from Distriq, Québec’s Quantum Innovation Zone, based in Sherbrooke.

The first research chairholder, Dr. Cunlu Zhou, is an assistant professor of computer science at UdeS. His research focuses on the interplay between quantum computing, complexity theory, and quantum many-body physics. In this Q&A, Zhou discusses his plans and expectation for taking on quantum algorithm discovery in his role as a UdeS IBM Quantum Research Chair.

The second research chair, to be announced soon, will have the opportunity to collaborate with Zhou’s team as well as other quantum researchers in Canada, and from around the world, to adapt and apply quantum algorithms to industry use cases. The second IBM Quantum Research Chair position will be in UdeS’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. To learn more about this professor-level position, please reach out to UdeS.

IBM and UdeS will introduce you to the next IBM Quantum Research Chair soon.

Q&A with UdeS Professor Cunlu Zhou, IBM Quantum Research Chair

What interests you the most about quantum computing, and what makes UdeS ideal for your research?

Maybe let me first share how I got into quantum computing. I was first introduced to it during a summer internship at the IBM Research lab in Dublin in 2018, while pursuing my PhD in mathematics at the University of Notre Dame. For my PhD, I was working on optimization algorithms and classical error-correction coding theory, so before starting my internship I didn’t really know much about quantum computing.

During the internship, my mentor suggested that I explore the potential applications of quantum computing in optimization problems. I learned the basics of quantum computing during that time, and as I delved deeper, I was fascinated by how quantum mechanics could offer fundamentally new ways of solving problems that are intractable for classical computers.

What excites me the most about quantum computing is the interdisciplinary nature of the field — it brings together physics, computer science, mathematics, and engineering to push the boundaries of what’s computationally possible. Being part of that convergence is both challenging and deeply rewarding.

I think there are three key aspects that make UdeS the ideal place for me to do quantum research: its people, community, and industry partnerships. I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the best colleagues and world-class researchers here. UdeS also has one of the most dynamic quantum communities, centered around the IQ, a world-renowned institute that emphasizes interdisciplinary research in quantum science.

For quantum algorithm development, one of my research focuses, collaboration with industry partners is crucial. UdeS has strong relationships with companies like IBM, and the creation of this research chair is a great example of that.

Additionally, UdeS is the first French-speaking university to offer a bachelor’s degree in Quantum Information Science, which is an excellent source for recruiting highly qualified people.

What has changed — and been the biggest surprise — since you began working in the field of quantum computing?

A lot has changed! For one, quantum hardware has seen huge advancements, not just in the number of qubits but also in their quality. We’ve transitioned from the era of small, experimental quantum devices to the era of quantum utility, first announced by IBM back in 2023. There’s also been a major shift toward quantum error correction (QEC), with rapid progress in this area over the past few years. On the algorithm front, people have largely moved beyond simple variational quantum algorithms to more sophisticated utility-scale algorithms for near-term experiments, as well as early fault-tolerant quantum algorithms.

Other big changes include a surge in global investments and the growth of quantum ecosystems, such as the one developing in Sherbrooke. Plus, we’re seeing more undergraduate and graduate programs aimed at training the next generation of quantum talent, like the program we have at UdeS.

The biggest surprise to me has been how quickly QEC is advancing. At this pace, it’s not far-fetched to imagine an early fault-tolerant quantum computer within the next five years. Indeed, according to IBM’s latest quantum roadmap, we expect to see a quantum system with 200 logical qubits capable of running 100 million gates. That would be amazing!

What is your first goal as UdeS’s new IBM Quantum Research Chair?

To build a group working on quantum algorithm development. So, I’m recruiting.

What makes algorithm discovery so important at this point in the development of quantum computing technology?

We are in the era of quantum utility, and will soon (hopefully!) enter the era of early fault-tolerance. To realize the full potential of these quantum hardware, and to eventually demonstrate practical quantum advantages, we need new algorithms.

What algorithm-discovery projects do you want to launch, and how will your students be involved?

There will be two types of algorithm-discovery projects: one focused on noise-robust utility-scale quantum algorithms, and the other on early fault-tolerant quantum algorithms.

Students will be involved end-to-end, meaning that they’ll participate from the very beginning — brainstorming ideas, reading literature, attending project meetings, working on the math, running simulations, implementing on hardware, and finally writing up drafts and submitting them for publication. They are also strongly encouraged to present their work at conferences and other professional events.

What application areas do you see this project impacting?

It could have a significant impact across several areas. First and foremost, it will advance quantum computing itself. As I mentioned earlier, algorithm development is essential for realizing the full potential of quantum hardware advancements. It’s also crucial for guiding hardware design, as co-design between algorithms and hardware creates a mutually beneficial cycle that drives progress in the field.

In addition, I believe the most immediate and mid-term impacts of quantum computing will be in scientific research. Many of my algorithm-discovery projects will focus on algorithms for studying quantum many-body systems, an area where quantum computing can provide powerful new tools and insights.

Finally, in the long term and more practically, material science is one of the areas where I think it could have a big impact.

What background do interested students need in order to apply for the opportunity to be part of your quantum research chair projects?

Given the interdisciplinary nature of these research projects, students with a strong background in one or more of the three core disciplines — physics, computer science, or math — are encouraged to apply. While prior knowledge of quantum computing is certainly a plus, it’s not a strict requirement. Experience or knowledge in areas like algorithms, theory of computation, numerical methods and analysis, quantum physics, and solid coding skills are highly desirable.

Interested students can find more information on my website.

At the end of five years, what will success look like to you?

Students’ success is my success. If they go on to thrive professionally, whether in academia or industry, that’s the ultimate measure of achievement for me. Beyond that, I hope to see them contributing meaningfully to the quantum computing field, whether by advancing scientific knowledge or developing impactful technologies.

If, after five years, we’ve also produced high-quality research, made significant progress on algorithm development, and helped shape the next generation of quantum talent, I’ll consider this endeavor a success.