QuSol
QuSol, short for Quantum Optimization Solver Kit, is a quantum computing project funded by the BMBF.
Project duration: 01.01.2025 - 31.12.2027
The QuSol Vision
Optimization challenges in production planning are inherently complex due to numerous input parameters and constraints, and political and economic uncertainties only add to this complexity. Efficiently solving these problems is crucial for industrial process planning—where even a one-percent improvement can translate into millions of euros in gains.
At QuSol, we explore how quantum algorithms can enhance the solving of highly complex optimization problems, using real-world examples from Infineon Technologies AG’s semiconductor manufacturing processes. Our research spans both short-term and long-term applications of quantum computing. We analyze potential advantages within the current Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) era as well as the future Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computing era, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of quantum computing’s impact.
Our Approach
At QuSol, we bring together experts from computer science, mathematics, and physics to tackle the challenges of quantum computing from multiple perspectives. Our research focuses on exploring innovative ways to model mathematical problems, breaking them down into classical and quantum subroutines, and developing new hybrid algorithms that can accelerate computations and/or improve solution quality.
To ensure accessibility and transparency, all our research is implemented in the ProvideQ toolbox—an open-source software tool. By making our work publicly available, we aim to foster collaboration, drive further advancements, and support the broader quantum computing community in leveraging our findings.
From July 21 to 23, we hosted a QuSol hackathon in Karlsruhe! More than 15 people involved in the project came together to work on new ideas and solutions in the field of quantum optimization. In addition to an intensive exchange of ideas, there was also technical input: a workshop on GAMSPy and introduction to Qubrabench provided valuable impetus for further work. Work was carried out in two related areas: (1) modeling Infineon's semiconductor production; (2) investigating the network simplex algorithm – in each case with the aim of analyzing the potential for quantum advantages. We are very satisfied with the outcome and are looking forward to further collaboration.
From July 7 to 11, 2025, the IEEE International Conference on Quantum Software (QSW) took place in Helsinki – a central platform for exchange on software development for quantum computers. Domenik Eichhorn presented our ProvideQ Toolbox and the accompanying paper “ProvideQ: A Quantum Optimization Toolbox” as part of a conference talk. The toolbox offers a modular environment for the development and evaluation of quantum-based optimization methods and forms the basis of QuSol's quantum software work packages. We would like to thank IEEE QSW for an inspiring conference and look forward to the next steps!
Five members of KIT-TVA participated in the Qiskit Hackathon at the World of Quantum trade fair in Munich. The central theme was a contribution to the transpilation pipeline in Qiskit, a process in quantum computing in which a quantum algorithm is translated into a hardware-optimized version so that it can be executed efficiently on a specific quantum processor. We are delighted that our team was awarded an excellent 2nd place – together with another team – and also won the Community Award!
Our team made two innovative contributions. Details of our contribution are available in our Jupyter Notebook on GitHub.