In a groundbreaking move for quantum computing, Alice & Bob has announced the integration of its future quantum processing units (QPUs) with high-performance computing (HPC) systems using SLURM. As the world’s most widely used workload management system, SLURM manages 60% of top global supercomputers, marking a significant development for HPC landscapes.
This achievement is the culmination of a collaboration with the Science and Technology Facilities Council's (STFC) Hartree Centre via the Hartree National Centre for Digital Innovation (HNCDI). The innovative integration allows Alice & Bob's cat-qubit technology to seamlessly function within existing HPC frameworks, a first in its kind for streamlined scheduling and execution.
SLURM's primary role is allocating computing resources efficiently. It determines how tasks utilise CPUs, GPUs, and now, QPUs, ensuring maximal performance. By introducing QPUs to the ensemble, Alice & Bob lays a foundational pillar for hybrid quantum-classical integration.
This collaboration doesn't just facilitate practical usage. The project extends to developing open-source tools for integrating quantum-classical architectures, crucial for future scientific breakthroughs and industry goals.
Theau Peronnin, CEO of Alice & Bob, emphasised the partnership's potential for both the HPC community and end users, highlighting how collaboration with the Hartree Centre aligns quantum technologies with actual workload demands.
Philippe Muller, VP of Business and Revenue, noted that Alice & Bob is unique in its SLURM integration alignment within real HPC environments, distinguishing it from other quantum hardware developers.
Beyond technical integration, this project expands the reach of quantum technology, providing thousands of researchers with access to scalable and fault-tolerant computing resources. SLURM's open-source nature enhances the adaptability of these novel cat-qubit processors.
A crucial gap between isolated quantum hardware and real-life applications is being bridged, ensuring these technologies align seamlessly with operational HPC workflows. Through continuous collaboration, the integration of hybrid quantum-classical environments is rapidly progressing, illuminating the path to future advancements.
In a recent report, Alice & Bob forecasted accelerated HPC workload capabilities within the coming five years, driven by their ambitious partnership with the Hartree Centre, spearheading technology for practical integration. The strides made in this partnership epitomise a significant milestone in realising this vision.
