Quantum Computing Meets Computer-Aided Engineering

IonQ and Ansys are collaborating to bring quantum computing to the $10 billion computer-aided engineering (CAE) industry.

The partnership aims to enhance product development workflows, enabling faster, more complex and more precise simulations that could significantly reduce time-to-market for innovative products.

CAE is used extensively in modern engineering to model and test designs across industries including aerospace, automotive and electronics. Introducing quantum computing could help support growing demands for higher fidelity and faster processing.

Quantum computers excel at solving highly complex, multifactorial problems that are difficult or even impossible for classical computers. By integrating IonQ’s quantum capabilities with Ansys’ simulation software, the companies plan to expand the possibilities for design exploration.

They goal is to investigate possible advancements in areas like structural analysis, photonics and electromagnetics, enhancing predictive accuracy and optimizing performance for real-world applications.

The partners aim to make the quantum simulation tools accessible and practical for non-quantum experts, enabling engineers to use IonQ’s quantum computing systems seamlessly through Ansys’ existing simulation platforms.

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“We are excited to work with IonQ to create a new generation of quantum-based solvers that could simultaneously increase predictive accuracy and expedite simulation run time,” said Ansys chief technology officer Prith Banerjee.

“Our goal is to enable every Ansys customer to seamlessly access the power of quantum computing to accelerate innovation and get their products to market sooner.”

As well as targeting CAE capabilities, IonQ also plans to use Ansys’ multiphysics technology, including structural, optical, photonic and electromagnetic simulation software, to design and optimize key components for next-generation quantum computers. 

“IonQ has made significant strides in demonstrating the value of quantum computing to businesses across industries, such as pharmaceuticals, finance, automotive and aerospace,” said IonQ senior vice president of products and applications Ariel Braunstein.

“We believe that Ansys’ simulation software will be crucial to designing and scaling our most advanced systems. This partnership will also give IonQ broader access to the multi-billion-dollar computer-aided engineering market, which accounts for a substantial portion of global high-performance computing usage.”

IonQ previously collaborated with companies including Airbus and Hyundai to incorporate quantum technology into their workflows.