Raphaël DeThoury is a deep technology entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in innovation, startups and industrial R&D. As CEO of Pasqal, Canada, he led the company’s North American expansion, which has fueled advances in quantum computing in energy, finance, liquidity and materials. Prior to joining Pasqal, he founded and quit the nanotechnology company Arnesterver and held a leadership role in innovation strategy and product industrialization.
Pasqal is a quantum computing company that has developed from years of research and development led by experts in the field, including physicists of Nobel Prize winners. The company specializes in neutral atomic quantum computing, leveraging advances in physics and engineering to develop quantum computers ready for production.
Originally rooted in lab research, Pasqal has transitioned to a commercial entity to provide hardware and full-stack solutions for enterprises. Its technology aims to bridge the gap between theoretical quantum applications and real-world use cases, thus providing customers with tools for implementation in various industries. Pasqal focuses on scalability and accessibility, positioning itself as a key player in the growing quantum ecosystem.
Traditional computing models are often difficult to handle the huge and complex data sets required to make critical business decisions. What specific limitations of these traditional systems will be addressed in quantum computing addresses, and how to change the decisions of industries with high data demands?
Traditional computing systems work hard to solve complex problems caused by complex data structures and relationships. Although they can handle large datasets, they often lack the processing power to process complexity and interdependencies in that data. The ability of these systems to effectively find the best solution is limited, especially in real-time scenarios, and they can be energy intensive. Quantum computing solves these challenges by leveraging quantum superposition and entanglement to deal with multiple possibilities simultaneously. Quantum computing better improves the ability to solve complex, multi-dimensional problems than traditional systems. Neutral atomic quantum systems have the ability to manage complex quantum states and are well suited for industries that need to explore across data needs, requiring huge space for solution such as optimization, pattern recognition and simulation. While quantum computers don’t necessarily generate large data sets better, their real power lies in addressing the complexity that analyses and decisions made from data.
Although AI has made progress in processing and analyzing large datasets, it has its own limitations. How can quantum computing enhance or extend AI’s capabilities in handling complex computing? Can you share some specific solutions that can combine quantum and AI for better results?
The challenge is that the identification situation is complex enough to bring value to AI when working under the constraints of a limited number of Qubits. I believe that existing quantum machines operate at a scale of hundreds of tons can bring considerable value to 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 such as enhanced simulation and hybrid models. Quantum computing can solve complex simulations, such as molecular modeling and high-dimensional data problems, beyond the capabilities of AI. Furthermore, hybrid models can improve efficiency by solving challenges that neither technology can solve separately, while quantum processing professional tasks such as optimization and AI processing results make it ideal for such as drug discovery, materials science and financial modeling. class application.
What are the key industries for quantum computing to be instantly applicable? Why are sectors such as energy, oil and gas, and medicines particularly suitable for quantum solutions?
Quantum computing, especially neutral atomic systems, is immediately applicable in industries such as energy, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, finance and logistics, which either interact directly with atoms or require supercomputing capabilities. Neutral atoms are already excellent in materials science, so neutral atom quantum computing performs well in simulating matter and positioning atoms, achieving breakthroughs in drug discovery with unparalleled accuracy, optimizing power grids, modeling molecular structures, and even satellite locations. . Unlike classical computers, quantum systems provide excellent accuracy for problems involving complex atomic interactions, which enables them to transform industries focused on energy efficiency, materials science, and large-scale optimization challenges.
Looking ahead to 2025, what major trends do you foresee that shape the quantum and AI landscape?
Over the coming year, we expect progress in two key areas:
- The first is to continue progressing on fault-tolerant quantum computing, which is the ability of quantum computers to accurately perform calculations even if errors occur, and to perform more error corrections. An example of our development in this direction is Google’s announcement of their quantum chip Willow in December 2024.
- Another emerging trend is the growing recognition of the utility of neutral atoms in quantum computing. Neutral atoms are particularly outstanding now because they offer more possibilities than just quantum computing that tolerate failures. Another major benefit of neutral atoms is that they have significant energy efficiency compared to standard quantum computing. This momentum is driven by their ability to provide meaningful results using more simulated methods, especially leveraging the precise positioning of atoms. This approach is expected to pave the way for further development in the field.
Can you share Pasqal’s vision for the future of quantum computing and how it aligns with expected technological breakthroughs?
Pasqal envisions a future where simulated quantum computing complements traditional high-performance computing systems to address complex industrial challenges. By focusing on providing tangible results today, Pasqal’s goal is to achieve quantum advantages before easy-tolerant failure quantum computing becomes feasible. This vision is consistent with Europe’s ambition to accelerate the deployment of the first supercomputer with quantum acceleration by 2025, paving the way for cutting-edge quantum capabilities by 2030.
Through quantum simulations and advancement aspects of materials science in quantum graph machine learning, Pasqal promotes progress by combining scientific innovation with practical industrial applications. This integrated approach ensures that quantum computing provides meaningful value to end users around the world over the past decade.
Pasqal pioneered neutral atomic quantum technology known for its speed and energy efficiency. Can you guide us through how this technology differs from other quantum methods and the unique benefits it provides?
Neutral atomic quantum technology emphasizes the energy efficiency of the original speed. Although it may work even slower due to the accuracy required to locate and rearrange the atoms, its strength lies in the ability to control qubits with excellent accuracy. Compared with other types of quantum computing, the technology has unique advantages such as scalability and flexibility, and quantum arrays can be configured in 2D or 3D structures. In addition to precise positioning, it can also implement complex interactions and simulations, making it particularly suitable for applications requiring high precision and efficient resource computing.
Pasqal’s systems are known for their low power consumption, likened to the energy use of hair dryers. How does this sustainability factor affect industries that want to reduce their carbon footprint?
There are two different implications for the sustainability that neutral atomic quantum computing can provide. The first benefit is its much less energy than AI or traditional computing. By adopting quantum technology, next-generation quantum systems can have significant sustainable impacts, even at a more basic level of understanding, helping the industry reduce its carbon footprint while achieving powerful computational results.
The second impact is how quantum benefits the energy industry itself. A 2024 study published in Energies highlights how quantum computing can minimize environmental impacts by enhancing renewable energy forecasts. This optimization can improve the performance of battery and solar technology while potentially reducing hydrogen production costs by up to 60%. For example, quantum computing can increase solar cell efficiency from about 20% to 40%, paving the way for more affordable renewable energy solutions.
What role does Pasqal’s full-stack ecosystem play in providing customers with a seamless experience? Can you share more information about the components of this stack and the expertise to support it?
Pasqal’s strategy is to make quantum computing accessible and relevant to enterprises at all levels. Whether engaged in basic research or seeking practical, business-centric solutions, Pasqal connects its quantum technology to the specific needs of each company. Our goal is to provide an ecosystem that meets customer needs, from cutting-edge basic research to practical, user-friendly solutions that provide everything for enterprises aiming to optimize their operations and integrate quantum technologies. With this full-stack approach, any organization can explore and benefit from quantum technology with the support and tools needed. Pasqal’s ecosystem is designed to provide a seamless experience and ensure quantum technology can be easily integrated into a variety of industries.
With Pasqal’s diverse customer base in areas such as finance, aviation, and healthcare, can you share any specific success stories or case studies to highlight the impact of quantum?
Pasqal’s partnership with EDF, France’s largest energy provider and a leader in the global energy market, is committed to adapting to the rapidly changing industry landscape, a great example of the impact of quantum computing in the industry. EDF faces challenges in energy demand forecasting and optimization, working with Pasqal to enhance its capabilities. It is worth noting that the collaboration helped EDF simulate environmental variables that affect renewable energy production, optimize energy distribution, and simulate material aging in nuclear power plants, an example of a task previously limited by classical computing methods. The partnership demonstrates the power of quantum computing in energy, thus providing more accurate simulations and potential advancements in areas such as smart charging for electric vehicles and energy production forecasting.
How close is it to us to see quantum applications becoming part of daily business operations? What role do you think Pasqal plays in making Quantum a viable option in more industries?
Quantum applications, especially in chemical and drug discovery, are about to become mainstream. Pasqal focuses on these sectors and understands that to drive adoption we must meet specific industry needs. Pasqal has a good position to make a real impact with its expertise in neutral atomic quantum technology. Even limited applications can lead to transformative breakthroughs. Pasqal predicts that quantum advantages will be demonstrated in multiple industrial use cases over the next two years and breakthroughs in drug development and screening expected over the next five years. The role of Pasqal is crucial to making quantum a viable, accessible option for more industries, which can help them integrate quantum solutions into their daily business operations and achieve meaningful value by the end of a decade.
Thank you for your excellent interview, and readers who hope to learn more should visit Pasqal.
