Navigating the enterprise journey of quantum computing with AWS (QTC203)

AWS Quantum Computing Offerings and Enterprise Adoption

Overview

• AWS announced their Quantum Computing efforts 5 years ago at re:Invent 2019, pre-announcing the Amazon Braket service.
• Customer needs at the time included:
  • Understanding what Quantum Computing can do and how it differs from classical computing.
  • Planning for Quantum Computing adoption and return on investment.
  • Building internal expertise and capabilities.
  • Avoiding large upfront investments in an emerging technology.

AWS Quantum Computing Strategy

• The strategy includes:
  • Amazon Braket - a Quantum Computing service on AWS.
  • An Advanced Solutions Lab for collaborative R&D.
  • Developing their own Quantum Hardware at the AWS Center for Quantum Computing.
  • Investing in Quantum Networking technologies.

Amazon Braket

• Braket is a cloud-based Quantum Computing service that enables:
  • Technology enablement for customers to support research, development, and hardware/software development.
  • Access to a range of third-party Quantum Computing hardware providers.
  • Workloads for learning, experimentation, and future scaling.

Quantum Hardware on Braket

• Braket currently offers Quantum Computers from providers like IonQ, Rigetti, IQM, and Qcware.
• New hardware is regularly added, and the lineup is expected to evolve over time.
• Braket also provides Quantum Computing simulators, including integration with NVIDIA's CUDA-Q environment.

Enterprise Customer Journey with Quantum Computing

• Enterprises are motivated by three key factors:
  1. Generating intellectual property through experimental workloads.
  2. Engaging with the Quantum Computing supply chain.
  3. Building a Quantum-skilled workforce.

Examples of Enterprise Customers

1. JPMorgan Chase:

   • Collaborated with AWS on exploring Quantum speedups for near-term Rydberg atom machines.
   • Resulted in a published academic paper and generated intellectual property.

2. Airbus and BMW:

   • Ran a global competition to solve five challenging problems in the mobility sector using Quantum Computing.
   • Engaged the global supply chain and evaluated algorithmic performance.

Enterprise Capability and Readiness Levels

1. Quantum Capable:

   • Able to do collaborative R&D, adapt Quantum algorithms, and deploy on Quantum hardware.
   • Have a dedicated Quantum workforce with a long-term strategy.

2. Quantum Engaged:

   • Running trials and proofs of concept, working with the Quantum supply chain.
   • Have a working group with defined goals over a 3-5 year timeframe.

3. Quantum Starting:

   • Have a CTO-level mandate and are assembling a team to understand Quantum's impact.
   • Have a few individuals with Quantum Computing background.

Quantum Embark Program

• A new 12-week program from AWS designed for enterprises at the "Quantum Starting" level.
• Provides use case discovery, training, enablement, and a deep dive on a specific problem.
• Helps enterprises understand Quantum Computing's applicability and how to invest in it.

Vanguard's Experience with Quantum Embark

• Vanguard formed a Quantum working group to prioritize use cases and build internal capabilities.
• Explored areas like simulation, optimization, and machine learning for Quantum Computing applications.
• Worked with AWS on a portfolio optimization use case, evaluating the quality of solutions and potential speed-ups.

Key Takeaways

• AWS has a comprehensive Quantum Computing strategy, including the Braket service, hardware development, and professional services.
• Enterprises are motivated to generate IP, engage the supply chain, and build a Quantum-skilled workforce.
• The new Quantum Embark program provides a structured approach for enterprises new to Quantum Computing.
• Vanguard's experience demonstrates the importance of use case prioritization and understanding Quantum's potential benefits and limitations.