Raphaël de Thoury is a deep tech entrepreneur with 20+ years of experience in innovation, startups, and industrial R&D. As CEO of Pasqal Canada, he leads the company’s North American expansion, fostering quantum computing advancements in energy, finance, mobility, and materials. Before joining Pasqal, he founded and exited Particlever, a nanotech company, and has held leadership roles in innovation strategy and product industrialization.
Pasqal is a quantum computing company that has evolved from years of research and development led by experts in the field, including a Nobel Prize-winning physicist. The company specializes in neutral-atom quantum computing, leveraging advancements in physics and engineering to develop production-ready quantum computers.
Initially rooted in laboratory research, Pasqal has transitioned into a commercial entity, offering both hardware and full-stack solutions for enterprises. Its technology aims to bridge the gap between theoretical quantum applications and real-world use cases, providing clients with tools for implementation across various industries. With a focus on scalability and accessibility, Pasqal positions itself as a key player in the growing quantum ecosystem.
Traditional computational models often struggle with handling the vast and complex datasets required for critical business decisions. What specific limitations of these traditional systems does quantum computing address, and how might it transform decision-making for industries with high data demands?
Traditional computing systems struggle with solving the complex problems that arise from intricate data structures and relationships. While they can handle large datasets, they often lack the processing power to navigate the complexity and interdependencies within that data. These systems are limited in their ability to find optimal solutions efficiently, especially in real-time scenarios, and they can be energy intensive. Quantum computing excels at addressing these challenges by harnessing quantum superposition and entanglement to process multiple possibilities simultaneously. Quantum computing enhances the capacity to solve complex, multi-dimensional problems better than traditional systems. Neutral atom quantum systems, with their ability to manage intricate quantum states, are well-suited for tasks requiring the exploration of vast solution spaces, such as optimization, pattern recognition, and simulation, across industries with high data demands. While quantum computers are not necessarily better for generating large datasets, their real power lies in tackling the complexity that arises when analyzing and making decisions from data.
While AI has advanced in processing and analyzing large datasets, it has its own limitations. How does quantum computing enhance or extend AI’s capabilities in handling complex computations? Could you share some specific scenarios where quantum and AI could be combined to achieve better results?
The challenge lies in identifying situations complex enough to bring value to AI while working within the constraints of a limited number of qubits. I am confident that existing quantum machines, operating at a scale of hundreds of qubits, can deliver substantial value for AI models. This focus represents a clear and achievable path the company is actively pursuing.
Quantum and AI can be combined to achieve better results in areas like enhanced simulations and hybrid models. Quantum computing can tackle complex simulations, such as molecular modeling and high-dimensional data problems, beyond AI’s capabilities. Additionally, hybrid models can improve efficiency by addressing challenges that neither technology can solve alone, with quantum handling specialized tasks like optimization and AI processing the results, making it ideal for applications like drug discovery, materials science, and financial modeling.
What are the key industries where quantum computing has immediate applicability, and why are sectors like energy, oil and gas, and pharmaceuticals particularly well-suited for quantum solutions?
Quantum computing, particularly with neutral atom systems, has immediate applicability in industries such as energy, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, finance, and logistics—sectors that either interact directly with atoms or require supercomputing capabilities. Neutral atoms are already superior in material science, so neutral atom quantum computing excels in simulating matter and positioning atoms with unparalleled precision, enabling breakthroughs in drug discovery, optimizing electricity grids, modeling molecular structures, and even satellite positioning. Unlike classical computers, quantum systems provide superior accuracy for problems involving complex atomic interactions, making them transformative for industries focused on energy efficiency, material science, and large-scale optimization challenges.
Looking ahead to 2025, what major trends do you foresee shaping the quantum and AI landscape?
In the year ahead, we’re anticipating advancements in two key areas:
- The first is to continue progress on fault tolerant quantum computing, which is the ability of a quantum computer to perform calculations accurately even when errors occur, with more error correction. An example of us moving in that direction is Google’s December 2024 announcement of their quantum chip, Willow.
- Another emerging trend is the growing recognition of neutral atoms’ utility in quantum computing. Neutral atoms are particularly remarkable right now because they offer more possibilities beyond just fault-tolerant quantum computing. Another major benefit of neutral atoms is that they are significantly more energy efficient when compared to standard quantum computing. This momentum is driven by their ability to deliver meaningful results using a more analog approach, specifically leveraging the precise positioning of atoms. This approach is expected to pave a clear path for further advancements in the field.
Could you share Pasqal’s vision for the future of quantum computing and how it aligns with anticipated technological breakthroughs?
Pasqal envisions a future where analog quantum computing complements traditional high-performance computing systems to address complex industrial challenges. By focusing on delivering tangible results today, Pasqal aims to achieve quantum advantage well before fault-tolerant quantum computing becomes viable. This vision aligns with the European ambition to deploy the first supercomputer with quantum acceleration by 2025, paving the way for cutting-edge quantum capabilities by 2030.
With proven success in quantum simulation for material science and advancements in pharmaceutical research through quantum graph machine learning, Pasqal is driving progress by combining scientific innovation with practical industrial applications. This integrated approach ensures quantum computing delivers meaningful value to end users globally within this decade.
Pasqal has pioneered neutral atom quantum technology, known for its speed and energy efficiency. Could you walk us through how this technology differs from other quantum approaches and the unique benefits it provides?
Neutral atom quantum technology emphasizes energy efficiency over raw speed. While it may operate more slowly due to the precision required for positioning and rearranging atoms, its strength lies in the ability to control qubits with exceptional precision. This technology offers unique advantages compared to other types of quantum computing, such as scalability and flexibility, with qubit arrays configurable in 2D or 3D structures. Beyond precise positioning, it enables complex interactions and simulations, making it particularly well-suited for applications demanding high precision and resource-efficient computation.
Pasqal’s system is notable for its low power consumption, likened to the energy use of a hair dryer. How does this sustainability factor impact industries looking to reduce their carbon footprint?
There are two different impacts to sustainability that neutral atom quantum computing can provide. The first benefit is its ability to use significantly less energy than AI or traditional computing. By adopting quantum technologies, even at a more basic level of understanding, the next generation of quantum systems could have a major sustainable impact, helping industries reduce their carbon footprint while achieving powerful computational results.
The second impact is how quantum can benefit the energy industry itself. A 2024 study published in Energies highlights how quantum computing can minimize environmental impact by enhancing renewable energy forecasting. This optimization can boost the performance of battery and solar technologies while potentially reducing hydrogen production costs by up to 60%. For instance, quantum computing could improve solar cell efficiency from approximately 20% to as much as 40%, paving the way for more affordable renewable energy solutions.
What role does Pasqal’s full-stack ecosystem play in providing a seamless experience for clients? Could you share more about the components of this stack and the expertise that supports it?
Pasqal’s strategy is to make quantum computing accessible and relevant to businesses at various levels. Whether engaged in basic research or seeking practical, business-focused solutions, Pasqal connects its quantum technology to the specific needs of each company. Our goal is to provide an ecosystem that meets the diverse needs of our clients, offering everything from foundational research for those at the forefront of innovation to practical, user-friendly solutions for businesses aiming to optimize their operations and integrate quantum technology. With this full-stack approach, any organization can explore and benefit from quantum technology, with the support and tools they need. Pasqal’s ecosystem is designed to offer a seamless experience and ensure quantum technology can be easily integrated into diverse industries.
With Pasqal’s diverse client base across sectors like finance, aerospace, and healthcare, are there any specific success stories or case studies you could share that highlight quantum’s impact?
Pasqal’s collaboration with EDF, the largest energy provider in France and a leader in the global energy market who is committed to adapting to a rapidly changing industry landscape, is a prime example of quantum computing’s impact across industries. EDF, facing challenges in energy demand forecasting and optimization, partnered with Pasqal to enhance their capabilities. Notably, the collaboration helped EDF simulate environmental variables affecting renewable energy production, optimize energy distribution, and simulate material aging in nuclear power plants, which are examples of tasks that were previously limited by classical computing methods. This partnership demonstrates the power of quantum computing in energy, providing more accurate simulations and potential advancements in areas like smart charging for electric vehicles and energy production forecasting.
How close are we to seeing quantum applications become part of day-to-day business operations? What role do you see Pasqal playing in making quantum a viable option for more industries?
Quantum applications, especially in chemistry and drug discovery, are close to becoming mainstream. Pasqal is focused on these sectors, understanding that to drive adoption, we must address specific industry needs. With its expertise in neutral atom quantum technology, Pasqal is well-positioned to make a real impact. Even limited applications can lead to transformative breakthroughs. Pasqal foresees demonstrating quantum advantage within the next two years in multiple industrial use cases, with groundbreaking advancements in pharmaceutical drug development and screening expected within the next five years. Pasqal’s role will be crucial in making quantum a viable, accessible option for more industries, helping them integrate quantum solutions into everyday business operations and achieve meaningful value well before the end of the decade.
Thank you for the great interview, readers who wish to learn more should visit Pasqal.