Accelerating social implementation through software platform development
Why is a Software Platform Important?
Since quantum computers are called "computers," it's self-evident that they must be provided in a "usable" state as computers. With that premise, when considering the distinction between "hardware" and "software," the key to enabling widespread adoption and practical use of quantum computing in society lies in defining "use cases" – that is, how software is applied, what it's used for, and what value it creates.
The "software platform" as defined by Q-STAR is positioned as a middleware layer, serving as an interface that separates the worlds of hardware and software.
Research and development of quantum computer hardware is rapidly progressing, with multiple approaches existing, and it is currently uncertain which hardware and implementation technologies will become mainstream. In this situation, we believe that a middleware layer is necessary to bridge the gap and allow for the development of software applications without being affected by changes in hardware. Q-STAR's fundamental concept of a software platform is to define this middleware as a "platform" that everyone can use, thereby accelerating its societal implementation.
In the field of conventional computer utilization and implementation, complex and multi-layered divisions are defined between hardware and application software. While such distinctions are not yet clear in quantum computing, we believe that a similar approach will become applicable.
Realizing and Defining Q-STAR's Software Platform
In the current nascent stage of the market, by establishing the fundamental idea of drawing a line between hardware and software and introducing a platform, i.e., middleware, we are promoting the development of an environment that allows for the exploration of usable use cases without being affected by hardware advancements.
As for the hardware to actually run, Ising machines and quantum-inspired machines that can be used for immediate demonstration are necessary. What's important here is that even as hardware evolves, applications can be developed to be somewhat common, and their usage methods can be anticipated. To test use cases that can run on existing hardware and connect them to practical corporate use, platforms and middleware are indispensable.
There is a sense of urgency that technology will decline if we merely wait for hardware advancements, so it is necessary to consider concrete use cases. Furthermore, it's important not just to discuss theoretically but also to actively engage in practical work. For this reason, we are collaborating with various working groups on initiatives such as developing testbeds for user companies' trials and efforts aimed at standardizing middleware specifications.
In Japan, due to historical circumstances, we have been proactively working with Ising machines that leverage existing computing technologies. When introducing Ising machines overseas, their differences might be complex and difficult to understand. Therefore, middleware is expected to play a role in making Ising machine technology easier to comprehend. A key feature of the middleware developed by Q-STAR is that it can be used with machines from any vendor.
Our impression is that there are few software manufacturers developing and providing Ising machines overseas, and generally, there isn't much thought given to developing middleware for them. In this regard, we believe there is an opportunity to spread Japanese technology to customers worldwide.
Practical Initiatives Towards Realizing a Software Platform
Activities to consider the implementation level of the platform and promote its use are being advanced primarily by the Combinatorial Optimization Working Group within Q-STAR. Combinatorial optimization problems have been "rediscovered" in recent years due to their potential for resolution by quantum computers. While some experts suggest that "one might be able to solve them by devising combinatorial optimization algorithms oneself, even without using an Ising machine," we believe that introducing middleware and software will make the technology more accessible to non-expert programmers, further expanding its range of applications.
The common platform that Q-STAR aims to provide and the SDK offered by member company Fixstars Amplify Inc. are one and the same. With the SDK, even general programmers can easily write and solve algorithms for combinatorial optimization problems. It is necessary to provide tools like this SDK that play an educational role in promoting the "rediscovery" of combinatorial optimization problems and are convenient to use even without specialized knowledge. This will enable the application of combinatorial optimization problems in various fields even before the practical use of quantum computers, thereby creating business opportunities and generating profits.
International Collaboration on Software Platforms
Efforts are underway to exchange memoranda of understanding with various private quantum-related organizations and to collaborate closely. Specifically, we are beginning to explore what kind of public-private collaborations are possible with organizations such as QED-C in the US and QuIC in Europe, as well as with AIST and its counterpart research institutions overseas. We are sharing Q-STAR's ideas regarding software platforms and inviting participation in use case exploration.
This initiative is important in two ways. First, it allows us to showcase Japan's strengths in Ising machines and the results of our use case exploration. Second, it provides an opportunity to expand our business by encouraging people overseas to utilize Japanese technology. There may be potential demand for Ising machines abroad, and the inherent potential of combinatorial optimization problems is universal. We hope that this perspective will lead to a rediscovery of the importance of combinatorial optimization problems, and by providing a useful common platform for problem-solving, it will create opportunities for companies to expand their business within a global ecosystem.
Currently, many user companies in this field are in the information-gathering stage. However, the advancement of use cases and hardware won't happen by simply waiting; they progress through mutual stimulation. A new computing paradigm is on the verge of emerging, yet no one has fully understood or discovered the complete picture of next-generation computing.
In this environment, Q-STAR aims to collaborate with its member companies with a "co-creation" mindset, enjoying the process. We will propose ideas such as "it would be great if we could use it this way," and while promoting adoption among user companies, we will also strive to provide new insights for developers on the vendor side.
Related Links
Software Platform Fixstars Amplify – Quantum Computing Cloud
