Companies Launch Quantum-Integrated Chemistry Platform

Mitsui & Co., Ltd., QSimulate, and Quantinuum have launched a new quantum-integrated chemistry platform, QIDO (Quantum-Integrated Discovery Orchestrator). This platform is designed to cut the cost and time of developing new drugs and materials. QIDO boosts research and development through chemical reaction modeling and combines advantages of classical computing and quantum computing.

Built for commercial impact, QIDO streamlines quantum-classical hybrid workflows and helps companies make decisions earlier in development. The platform is designed to support research across chemistry-based fields.

QIDO integrates QSimulate's software “QSP Reaction,” which enables calculations on the scale of thousands of atoms using classical quantum chemistry methods and techniques. QIDO also integrates with Quantinuum's “InQuanto" software, which interfaces with quantum emulators and Quantinuum Systems hardware. 

‍“We take a market-needs-based approach, aiming to bridge the gap between providing practical features that help customers solve today's challenges and preparing them for the coming quantum era," says Makoto Koshida, general manager, Quantum Innovation Department, Mitsui.

“Combining best-in-class quantum chemical simulation with deep quantum computing expertise, QIDO gives industrial chemists powerful, intuitive algorithms and tools to tackle complex chemical challenges with speed and accuracy," says Toru Shiozaki, Ph.D., president and CEO, QSimulate.

“Adding the benefits of chemical accuracy and computational efficiency of quantum-native simulations in applications of chemistry is a key step forward in revolutionizing the economics of discovery in several significant end markets, such as pharmaceuticals and energy," says Dr. Rajeeb Hazra, president and CEO, Quantinuum.

QIDO Use Cases and Future Expansion

Potential use cases are as follows:‍

• ‍Catalysts and enzyme design: Simulating complex electron behavior to inform catalysts and enzymes design for cleaner energy, greener manufacturing, and advanced biocatalysis (useful in drug discovery, biofuel, etc.). ‍
• Reaction mechanism elucidation: Enabling deeper understanding of complex chemical reaction pathways, including transient intermediates and excited states, for material stability.‍
• Battery efficiency and energy storage: Enhancing battery materials and performance for safer, longer-lasting, and higher-capacity energy storage.‍

‍Notable Functions of QIDO

QIDO is equipped with various functions to streamline chemical modeling. This makes quantum chemistry technology more accessible for use in industrial settings.

• Automatically identify reaction coordinates and transition states from specified reactants and products;
• Map strongly correlated systems to compact Hamiltonians using quantum embedding and automated active space selection techniques;
• Support customizable active spaces and computational methods to balance accuracy and cost;

About Mitsui & Co.

Mitsui & Co. is a global trading and investment company with a presence in more than 60 countries and a diverse business portfolio.

About QSimulate

Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Boston, QSimulate is vested in quantum simulation technology for materials development and life sciences.

About Quantinuum

Quantinuum is focused on quantum computing. The company has over 550 employees, including 370+ scientists and engineers, across the US, UK, Germany, and Japan.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.