HPC Community Prepares for Quantum Leap in Computing

On September 11, 2025, a significant report from Alice & Bob and Hyperion Research outlined how early fault-tolerant quantum computing (eFTQC) is set to transform high-performance computing (HPC) applications. The study, titled Seizing Quantum’s Edge: Why and How HPC Should Prepare for eFTQC, emphasizes the urgent need for HPC professionals to invest in the design and integration of hybrid workflows that leverage quantum technology over the next five years.

According to Bob Sorensen, senior vice president and chief analyst for quantum computing at Hyperion Research, “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 cautioned, however, that these advanced systems will not be simple to implement. HPC centers must proactively prepare for integration to influence system design and gain operational expertise early.

Understanding the Shift in Computing Paradigms

The report highlights the stagnation in performance gains for classical HPC systems, primarily due to physical limitations on transistor size and chip energy capacity. In contrast, the timeline for useful quantum applications has notably shortened, as illustrated by a remarkable 1,000-fold reduction in the resources needed to execute Shor’s algorithm.

Within the next five years, quantum computers are projected to possess between 100 to 1,000 logical qubits and a logical error rate ranging from 10^-6 to 10^-10. This development is expected to significantly enhance scientific computing applications, particularly in fields like materials science, quantum chemistry, and fusion energy simulations.

Théau Peronnin, CEO of Alice & Bob, stated, “HPC users will see benefits in accuracy, time-to-solution, and computational cost as hybrid HPC-quantum workflows shift some computationally complex subproblems to quantum processors.” He emphasized that HPC centers aiming to lead in this transition must co-design these hybrid workflows with both users and vendors, ensuring efficient software and hardware infrastructure while deploying eFTQC prototypes to capture early advantages.

Strategic Recommendations for HPC Centers

The report outlines essential strategies for integrating eFTQC alongside existing technologies, including GPUs and CPUs, in current supercomputing infrastructures. Key recommendations include developing application codes suitable for HPC users, building a comprehensive hybrid software stack, and training the HPC workforce to facilitate the adoption of eFTQC.

To maximize the benefits of quantum processing, the authors advocate for HPC centers to explore heterogeneous workloads through collaborations with quantum technology vendors. Juliette Peyronnet, the US general manager at Alice & Bob and co-author of the report, remarked, “The HPC community has always been quick to adopt disruptive architectures – from vector processors to GPUs – and quantum computing is no exception.”

She described the report as a crucial call to action for HPC centers to initiate preparations for eFTQC integration, positioning themselves to harness what is anticipated to be the next major accelerator in high-performance computing.

This emerging focus on quantum capabilities marks a pivotal moment for the HPC community, underscoring the necessity for proactive engagement and strategic planning in the face of rapidly evolving technology. As the landscape of computing continues to shift, those who adapt swiftly will likely reap the benefits of this technological revolution.