HPC Sector Urged to Embrace Early Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computing

A joint report from Alice & Bob and Hyperion Research highlights 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 report 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.

The report underscores that quantum technologies represent a significant opportunity for HPC professionals, as they promise to accelerate a broad array of vital science and engineering applications. 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.”

Given that these advanced quantum systems will not be simple to implement, the report advises HPC centres to begin preparations now. This proactive approach will allow them to influence system design and develop necessary operational expertise. It has been noted that performance gains in traditional HPC systems have diminished over the past decade due to physical limits on transistor sizes and chip energy capacity.

In a notable shift, the timeline for effective quantum applications has significantly shortened. The report points to a remarkable 1000x reduction in the estimated resources needed to execute Shor’s algorithm, a key quantum algorithm. Over the next five years, quantum computers are expected to achieve between 100 and 1,000 logical qubits and a logical error rate ranging from 10^-6 to 10^-10. This progress will likely enhance scientific computing applications, particularly in areas such as materials science, quantum chemistry, and fusion energy simulations.

“The benefits for HPC users will include improved accuracy, reduced time-to-solution, and lower computational costs as hybrid HPC-quantum workflows begin to transfer complex subproblems to quantum processors,” stated Théau Peronnin, CEO of Alice & Bob. He emphasized that HPC centres aiming for leadership must co-design these hybrid workflows alongside users and vendors. This collaboration will shape efficient software and hardware infrastructure while deploying eFTQC prototypes, ensuring that these centres secure a first-mover advantage.

The report also provides detailed recommendations for integrating eFTQC, GPUs, and CPUs into existing supercomputing centres. It emphasizes the importance of developing application codes for HPC users, creating a robust hybrid software stack, and training the HPC user base for the adoption of eFTQC. To maximize the benefits of quantum processing, it suggests that HPC centres consider heterogeneous workloads through partnerships with quantum vendors.

The call to action resonates throughout the HPC community, which has historically been quick to adopt disruptive technologies, from vector processors to GPUs. According to Juliette Peyronnet, US General Manager at Alice & Bob and co-author of the report, “This work is a call to action for HPC centres to begin preparing for eFTQC integration now, so they are ready to harness the next major HPC accelerator.”

As the landscape of computing evolves, embracing early fault-tolerant quantum computing will be crucial for HPC centres aiming to remain at the forefront of scientific advancement. The integration of these systems could fundamentally reshape the future of computational science, making it imperative for the community to act decisively.