Phasecraft, the deeptech business founded by a group of Bristol and London-based academics, is to open its first international office in the US as it looks to commercialise its world-leading expertise in quantum computing.
The firm, launched in 2019 as a spin-out from London’s UCL and the University of Bristol, will use the Washington DC office to gain access to some of the world’s top quantum talent and commercial opportunities.
At the same time, Prof Steve Flammia, director of Virginia Tech’s Center for Quantum Architecture, is joining the firm to head the new office as it looks to supercharge its offering.
Prof Flammia, a former principal research scientist at the AWS Center for Quantum Computing, is known as one of the world’s top quantum computing researchers, with more 20 years’ experience and a focus on theoretical aspects of the field.
He has published more than 80 research papers with 10,000-plus citations.
Phasecraft is developing quantum algorithms to the point of practical quantum advantage – when quantum computers outperform classical ones for useful real-world applications like developing new materials.
The company is currently working on developing quantum algorithms for drug discovery, material discovery and logistics optimisation.
Last year it was approached to take part in a major global study exploring how quantum computing can be used to develop a treatment for the progressive muscle-wasting disease myotonic dystrophy.
The US has one of the world’s most-advanced quantum computing sectors, thanks to years of sustained investment, and is also the home of the highest-performance quantum computers in the world.
Phasecraft, which tests and develops its record-breaking algorithms on some of the world’s most advanced superconducting quantum hardware from companies including Google, IBM, QuEra and Rigetti, will hire eight researchers in the US this year.
This team will focus on reducing the requirements on quantum algorithms to achieve quantum advantage, including developing crucial new algorithm ideas and new theoretical technology to get the most out of near-term quantum hardware.
Phasecraft co-founder and CEO Ashley Montanaro said: “We are thrilled that Steve is joining the Phasecraft team to lead our new US office and our work stateside.
“We have known Steve for around 20 years and have been great admirers of his work, which is why he was top of our list to be a part of our mission in the US.
“Having a US presence will allow us to tap into the country’s deep tech talent and deepen our relationships with the world’s top quantum hardware companies as part of our mission to reach practical quantum advantage.”
Steve Flammia added: “Few companies have had such an impact in such a short period of time in the quantum algorithms space and it’s a pleasure to have the opportunity to support these efforts in the US.
“I can’t wait to get started and use my decades of research and development around getting the most out of noisy quantum computers to accelerate the timelines to reaching practical quantum advantage.”