Insight and Cadence Set Sights on Quantum Computing in Cork

15 Jul 2022

The Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics, UCC is collaborating with Cadence Design Systems, Inc., internationally headquartered in Cork, to explore quantum computing algorithms to advance chip design.

As part of this collaboration, Cadence is providing funding for Insight to pursue research that connects electronic design automation (EDA), artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing.

There is an increasing global demand for better hardware and software to manage today’s toughest system design challenges. Classic computation methods apply various CPU strategies and measures to reduce the size of the datasets.

Quantum computing is at an early stage but rapidly advancing. As a technology, it has the potential to introduce a paradigm shift for some computationally intensive problems.

With the advent of the first generation of quantum computing machines, it is now possible to explore and drive the quantum advantage, where a quantum computer can process information that no traditional computer could process in a realistic timeframe.

The research collaboration between Cadence and the Insight/UCC team, led by Dr. Emanuel Popovici, School of Engineering and Architecture/Insight Centre, will focus on the ways master’s, PhD and post-doctorate students can configure software and computer platforms to leverage quantum computing to create breakthrough technologies for advanced electronic design.

Jaswinder Ahuja, corporate vice president, International Headquarters, Cadence commented:

“For more than 30 years, Cadence has focused on delivering computational software innovations to advance chip, board and system design, empowering engineers to create devices that are smarter, smaller and consume less power. By providing funding and collaborating with Insight and UCC to investigate quantum computing algorithms for chip design, we’re enabling local Cork students to fuel next-generation innovation.”

Steve Hollands, software engineering group and Cork site director, Cadence added:

“By collaborating with UCC, we’re working to advance quantum computing architectures and algorithms with our computational software technology to optimize its potential. We’re looking forward to jointly exploring what’s possible and delivering breakthrough technologies to address this rapidly evolving area.”

Speaking about the collaboration, Dr Emanuel Popovici, School of Engineering and Architecture, UCC and Insight Centre, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to explore quantum computing for EDA and EDA for quantum computing. Building know-how and training with next-generation field experts is key to achieving the quantum advantage in an era where rapid design is critical. We are very excited to engage in this endeavour together with Cadence, a pivotal leader in chip and system design.”

Professor Barry O’Sullivan, Director, Insight Centre and School of Computer Science and Information Technology, UCC commented:

“There are fantastic opportunities at the intersection of quantum computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, constraint programming and many other areas. We’re delighted to have the opportunity to collaborate with Cadence on these opportunities.”

Professor Sarah Culloty, Head, College of Science, Engineering and Food Science, University College Cork welcomed the partnership:

“We are incredibly grateful to Cadence for their support of this game-changing research in the area of quantum computing at UCC. Collaborative partnerships such as this one, bolster our research innovation strategy and strengthen our commitment to deliver future‐ready STEM education programmes”.