Quantum Computing: Idea-Re develops concrete applications

Description

Quantum Computing is undoubtedly a significant step in technological progress, with the potential to enable the rapid and effective execution of algorithms and the resolution of problems that would otherwise be extremely demanding in terms of required resources. The path taken by Idea-Re has led to the application of this approach to complex engineering challenges.

Idea-Re identified Quantum Computing early on as a topic of fundamental importance for near-future technological evolution. The company accordingly embarked on a journey that began from the foundations - deepening its understanding of core Quantum Computing concepts and exploring its many application possibilities - until reaching, also thanks to the addition of highly qualified researchers with academic backgrounds in High Energy Physics, a concrete application to a real-world engineering case.

As part of the project "WATER A.I. - empower the efficiency of WATER networks through Artificial Intelligence for IoT", funded to Blue Gold Srl through the "INNODRIVER S3 Action I.1.b.1.1 – support for the purchase of services for technological, strategic, organisational and commercial innovation of businesses" call, Idea-Re provided consultancy for the development of innovative optimisation methods for water network monitoring.

Idea-Re's researchers developed quantum optimisation algorithms for Blue Gold to identify the ideal installation points for pressure sensors in a water distribution network. The optimisation problem was formulated as a QUBO (Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimization) model, solved using Quantum Annealing run on a D-Wave quantum computer. The approach enables rapid identification of optimal sensor placements for effective monitoring of the distribution network, also allowing real-time execution by field technicians. The methodology is furthermore characterised by a flexibility that makes it readily applicable to water networks other than the one tested for the WATER A.I. project.
This collaboration represents only Idea-Re's first step in solving complex real-world problems using Quantum Computing techniques.

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Last updated: 06/10/2026 10:29