HPC Community Urged to Prepare for Quantum Computing Revolution

A recent report from Alice & Bob and Hyperion Research emphasizes the urgent need for the high-performance computing (HPC) community to prepare for the integration of early fault-tolerant quantum computing (eFTQC). Released on September 11, 2025, the study, titled Seizing Quantum’s Edge: Why and How HPC Should Prepare for eFTQC, outlines how eFTQC can enhance solutions in critical HPC applications, surpassing the capabilities of classical supercomputing within the next five years.

According to Bob Sorensen, senior vice president and chief analyst for quantum computing at Hyperion Research, quantum technologies present a pivotal opportunity for HPC professionals. “Quantum technologies are a pivotal opportunity for the HPC community, offering the potential to significantly accelerate a wide range of critical science and engineering applications in the near-term,” he stated. The report highlights that while these quantum machines will not be easily integrated, HPC centers must start preparing now to influence system design and develop operational expertise.

The study identifies significant challenges in classical HPC systems, noting that physical limits on transistor size and chip energy capacity have hampered performance improvements over the past decade. In contrast, the timeline for useful quantum applications is accelerating, illustrated by a remarkable 1000x reduction in the resources needed to execute Shor’s algorithm. The report projects that in the next five years, quantum computers featuring between 100 to 1,000 logical qubits and a logical error rate ranging from 10^-6 to 10^-10 will significantly enhance scientific computing, particularly in materials science, quantum chemistry, and fusion energy simulations.

“The benefits for HPC users will include improvements in accuracy, time-to-solution, and computational cost,” stated Théau Peronnin, CEO of Alice & Bob. He explained how hybrid HPC-quantum workflows will allow for the reassignment of complex computational subproblems to quantum processors, thus optimizing overall efficiency.

To successfully implement eFTQC, the report provides a comprehensive framework for integrating quantum computing alongside existing GPUs and CPUs within supercomputing centers. Recommendations include building application codes tailored for HPC users, developing a robust hybrid software stack, and ensuring that the HPC user base is adequately trained for the transition to eFTQC.

In order to maximize the advantages of quantum processing, the report advises HPC centers to explore heterogeneous workloads through collaboration with quantum vendors. “The HPC community has always been quick to adopt disruptive architectures – from vector processors to GPUs – and quantum computing is no exception,” said Juliette Peyronnet, US general manager at Alice & Bob and co-author of the report. She emphasized that this is a call to action for HPC centers to begin preparations for eFTQC integration, thus positioning themselves to leverage the next significant accelerator in high-performance computing.

As the landscape of computational technology evolves, the HPC community stands at a critical juncture. Preparing for the integration of quantum computing is not merely a strategic option; it is essential for maintaining competitive advantages in various scientific and engineering disciplines.