Quantum Brilliance and Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre have developed a hybrid computing workflow that integrates quantum processing with high-performance computing (HPC). The system combines Quantum Brilliance’s virtual Quantum Processing Unit (vQPU) with CPU and GPU resources, powered by NVIDIA GH200 Grace Hopper Superchips. This integration allows researchers to experiment with quantum applications in a scalable, hardware-agnostic environment, paving the way for practical quantum computing use cases.
The workflow enables seamless communication between virtual and physical quantum computers using standardized methods. It integrates directly with HPC clusters through tools like the SLURM job scheduler, simplifying adoption for research and enterprise applications. By emulating real-world quantum hardware behavior, the vQPU allows users to develop and test quantum algorithms under realistic conditions without the constraints of physical quantum processors.
Key applications for this hybrid workflow include radio astronomy data processing, artificial intelligence, and bioinformatics. Future phases will involve deploying the system on Pawsey’s Setonix supercomputer with a physical quantum processor. This collaboration positions Australia as a leader in quantum and supercomputing convergence, accelerating the transition from theoretical quantum computing to real-world applications.
• Hybrid integration: Combines quantum, CPU, and GPU resources for scalable computing.
• Virtual QPU: Provides a low-barrier entry to quantum computing with realistic emulation.
• HPC compatibility: Hooks into job schedulers like SLURM for seamless integration.
• NVIDIA-powered: Utilizes GH200 Grace Hopper Superchips for enhanced performance.
• Future deployment: Next phase involves using a physical quantum processor in Pawsey’s infrastructure.
“What we’ve developed is essentially a conductor for a technological orchestra, where quantum and classical computers can work in harmony to solve complex problems,” said Dr. Pascal Elahi, Quantum Team Lead at Pawsey.
- Quantum Brilliance, headquartered in Australia, specializes in diamond-based quantum computing technology that operates at room temperature, eliminating the need for cryogenics or complex infrastructure. Founded in 2019 as a spinout from research at the Australian National University, the company has developed compact, energy-efficient quantum accelerators designed for integration into existing computing environments, including high-performance computing (HPC) systems and edge devices. Key milestones include securing partnerships with major research institutions and supercomputing centers, deploying its virtual Quantum Processing Unit (vQPU) to simulate quantum hardware, and advancing hybrid quantum-classical computing workflows in collaboration with NVIDIA and Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre.
- Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre, based in Perth, Australia, is a national high-performance computing (HPC) facility supporting scientific research across fields such as radio astronomy, artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, and engineering. Named after radio astronomy pioneer Dr. Joseph Pawsey, the center operates some of Australia’s most powerful supercomputers, including Setonix, which is among the world’s top energy-efficient supercomputers. Funded by the Australian Government through the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS), Pawsey has played a key role in supporting large-scale research projects, including the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) telescope and national quantum computing initiatives. Recent milestones include integrating hybrid quantum-HPC workflows, expanding partnerships with industry leaders like NVIDIA and Quantum Brilliance, and enhancing Australia’s quantum and AI computing capabilities.