Open Quantum Institute hosts workshops exploring quantum reservoir computing and quantum optimisation

As part of its mission to explore quantum computing applications that could contribute to accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and beyond, the Open Quantum Institute (OQI) recently hosted two technical workshops. These sessions provided a platform for use case teams supported by OQI to engage with experts, exchange insights and share best practices.

Led by Alex Bernasconi (OQI Applications Project Manager) and Philipp Kammerlander (OQI Applications Expert), the workshops covered key topics, including:

Quantum reservoir computing

Milan Kornjaca (Senior Quantum Scientist at QuEra) shared details on quantum reservoir computing and explored the approach with relevant use case teams Accelerating Novel Antimicrobial Discovery, Predicting Gastrointestinal Cancer and Plant Genomics.

Quantum optimisation

Stefan Woerner (Principle Research Scientist and Manager of the Quantum Computational Science group at IBM) guided teams through how quantum optimisation could be applied to use cases related to Molecular Docking to Clean Up Pollution, Layout of Turbines in a Wind Farm, Smart Grid Management and Food Security – Last Mile Delivery.

OQI is currently supporting the development of 18 use cases exploring a range of quantum approaches to tackle global challenges. Stay tuned for more activities with the opportunity to engage and share knowledge within the OQI community.

Learn more about our use cases: https://open-quantum-institute.cern/applications/

2025 | Open Quantum Institute

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Requirements:

Either have served as OQI’s spearheading partners during its incubation phase or have consistently engaged resources to OQI’s work as OQI members for at least a year
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Description:

The Open Quantum Institute (OQI) is a multilateral governance initiative that promotes global and inclusive access to quantum computing and the development of applications for the benefit of humanity. As a novel science diplomacy instrument, it brings together research, diplomacy, private sector and philanthropy stakeholders. OQI is hosted by CERN during its pilot phase (2024-2026).

Mission:

• Accelerating applications for humanity: Realising the full potential of quantum computing to have the widest possible societal impact by accelerating the development of use cases geared towards achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and succeeding framework , thanks to the combined forces of researchers, developers and entrepreneurs from academia and private sector as well as the United Nations, and large NGOs
• Access for all: Providing global, inclusive and equitable access to a pool of public and private quantum computers and simulators available via the cloud
• Advancing capacity building: Developing educational tools to enable everyone around the world to contribute to the development of quantum computing and make the most of the technology
• Activating multilateral governance for the SDGs: Providing a neutral forum to help shape multilateral governance of quantum computing for the SDGs

Values:

• Inclusivity, global scope
• Enable people from all countries, regardless of whether they have any quantum computing capability of their own, to benefit from and to participate in the development of (i) quantum computing applications that address global challenges, in particular those that are closely related to their own specific challenges, and (ii) the multilateral governance of quantum computing for the SDGs
• Openness
• Share experiences, knowledge, and methods for the benefit of all, following Open Science best practice
• Make openly available the results – outcomes of joint activities related to the OQI mission conducted by the OQI community – to society via open repositories and/or through the use of open licences
• Focus on impact
• Ensure that applications are developed for their quantum computing potential to tackle real-world problems that will benefit humanity
• Consider and balance their ethical, legal, and societal implications
• Independence
• Enable everyone to participate free from individual, national, corporate or any other agendas
• Develop applications with a technology neutral approach.
• Collaboration
• Foster a community of diverse expertise, backgrounds and geographies, enabled by international cooperation and diplomacy