Quantum Week 2023: Reflections on the State of the Art in Quantum Computing

Description

From September 17 to 22, Idea-Re took part in IEEE Quantum Week 2023, a prestigious conference on Quantum Computing, presenting the research "A novel approach to face early pandemics using QUBO models," which introduced an innovative algorithm for optimizing epidemiological surveillance systems based on wastewater analysis.

Among the many topics addressed during the conference, the following generated considerable interest:

• Fault Tolerance & Hardware Improvement for quantum computers of the so-called NISQ era
• Quantum Resource Estimation to define the resources required to perform a quantum computation
• Quantum Inspired algorithms for combinatorial optimization.

Here are some reflections.

Fault Tolerance & Hardware Improvement for quantum computers of the so-called NISQ era

To date, the quantum computing research community is focused on solving the complex problem of decoherence; without significant progress in error correction, achieving a tangible computational advantage remains elusive. This is particularly true for quantum optimization algorithms based on gate-based models, where the goals are universality and speed-up over classical algorithms.

Quantum Resource Estimation to define the resources required to perform a quantum computation

Thinking about quantum computers solely in terms of computational speed-up risks being shortsighted, and a one-dimensional account of the problem can be limiting. Further advantages of quantum computing are being explored — such as energy efficiency, for instance. A clear and unambiguous estimate of computational resources in the quantum domain is certainly a non-trivial task, yet it is necessary if one wishes to embrace the full complexity of the problem.

Quantum Inspired algorithms for combinatorial optimization

The advent of increasingly sophisticated quantum hardware has driven continuous exploration of quantum and quantum-inspired algorithms. These, in particular, could offer a fresh perspective on a class of real-world problems, such as combinatorial ones. It seems appropriate to continue exploring both quantum and hybrid algorithms for combinatorial optimization, as they can offer a different perspective and complexity profile.

The world of Quantum Computing remains, in many respects, uncharted territory. Many challenges have yet to be addressed, but developments are rapid — both on the hardware and software fronts. The second quantum revolution is underway, with a consequent global deployment of energy and resources, and it is wise to be part of it, so as to meet the challenges of the future as active protagonists.

Last updated: 06/10/2026 09:41