Atos joins forces with French tech startup Pasqal to accelerate High Performance Computing using quantum neutral atom technology

Atos, a French digital transformation company, announced today it is partnering with French startup Pasqal to develop a quantum accelerator based on neutral atom technology for High-Performance Computing (HPC) systems. The technology would make it possible to strengthen the computing capacities of current computers and thereby develop hybrid quantum-HPC systems that can be used in the short term.

Founded just a year ago, Pasqal manufactures quantum processors by leveraging the technology developed at the Institut d’Optique in Palaiseau (France) to build quantum processors from neutral atoms and all the necessary software environment.

Unlike superconducting circuits that are currently limited to about 50 qubits, Pasqal’s technology is based on neutral atoms, which today enables it to master more than 100 atoms. For its part, Atos has been studying the acceleration opportunities offered by neutral atoms for more than two years and is contributing to advances in research by developing the software specific to this technology, which has led to several scientific publications and patent filing.

The collaboration will lead to the integration of Pasqal’s technology into Atos’ HPC solutions environment. The collaboration will be based on Atos’ software development and quantum simulation platform, the Atos Quantum Learning Machine (QLM), combining Atos’ expertise in algorithmics with Pasqal’s development processors.

“We are pleased to collaborate with Pasqal and continue to enrich our quantum ecosystem with one of the most innovative European companies in this field,” said Cyril Allouche, Fellow & VP, Director of the Quantum R&D program at Atos. “Since the launch of its dedicated research program, Atos has adopted a multi-technology approach, which is reflected in the support of different quantum systems, such as superconductors, ions and neutral atoms, in Atos QLM. In this way, we hope to enable our users to experiment and develop their quantum applications on the widest range of quantum technologies.”

Georges-Olivier Reymond, Managing Director at Pasqal, commented: “We believe in hybrid computing, where quantum processors will accelerate conventional computers, with a performance that will improve over the years. We are already working on a processor of more than 100 qubits, and our technology has a unique ability to scale beyond that. Working on the integration of these new technologies, with a pioneer and leader such as Atos, is therefore fully in line with our strategy to make them accessible to HPC users today.”

The purpose of Atos is to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education, and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space.