Aqarios is joining the HyQInt project, a three-year initiative officially launched on October 1, 2026, to directly link industrial simulation tools with quantum optimization capabilities, the company says. Funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), HyQInt aims to allow engineers to harness quantum optimization without requiring specialized quantum computing knowledge. The project, formally titled “Hybrid Quantum Algorithms for Simulation Interfaces,” will build a bridge between existing industrial workflows and a blend of classical and quantum methods.
HyQInt Framework Connects Simulation to Classical and Quantum Optimizers
The HyQInt project establishes a standardized interface for diverse computational backends, allowing access to both classical computers and quantum hardware through a single point of entry. Aqarios’ Luna platform is the central hub for this access, facilitating comparisons of solution quality, runtime, and cost across different optimization methods. This benchmarking capability is important for determining the most efficient approach for specific industrial challenges. The project will use Luna to connect with the BMFTR-funded QC Next software stack, further integrating quantum computing into industrial workflows.
The framework operates through a three-step process, beginning with problem formulation directly within existing simulation models, eliminating the need for engineers to manually translate their work into quantum-compatible formats. Once defined, the optimization problem is directed to the most suitable solver, classical, hybrid, or quantum, based on the specific requirements of the task.
Results are then fed back into the simulation for evaluation, initiating iterative cycles of refinement until an optimal solution is achieved. This closed-loop system distinguishes HyQInt from approaches requiring specialized quantum computing expertise, according to the company. Aqarios will contribute to HyQInt by providing a single interface to various backends, enabling reproducible benchmarks and establishing a connection to the QC Next software stack. The project, spanning 36 months from October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2029, aims to address a significant bottleneck in the adoption of quantum optimization techniques.
Currently, extracting a problem from a simulation, translating it into a mathematical formulation, and adapting it to a specific solver demands expertise in quantum computing, optimization and the application domain, a rare combination of skills. “Engineers should not have to leave their simulation tools to benefit from quantum optimization,” said Michael Lachner, CEO and Co-Founder of Aqarios.
“With HyQInt, we bring Luna to where the problems are, together with partners who know industrial simulation inside out.” The applications developed within HyQInt will ultimately be integrated into the Luna product, extending its capabilities and solidifying its role as a key platform for quantum-enhanced industrial simulation. This integration is not simply about adding quantum functionality.
It’s about smoothly embedding it into existing workflows, allowing engineers to use the potential of quantum computing without requiring a deep understanding of the underlying technology. The project’s modular design ensures that new optimizers and simulation tools can be easily incorporated, encouraging a flexible and adaptable ecosystem for future innovation.
Engineers should not have to leave their simulation tools to benefit from quantum optimization. With HyQInt, we bring Luna to where the problems are, together with partners who know industrial simulation inside out.
Michael Lachner, CEO and Co-Founder, Aqarios
AI-Based Model Reduction and Benchmarking within the HyQInt Project
The HyQInt project is tackling a core limitation of applying quantum optimization to real-world problems: scale. Recognizing that current quantum hardware cannot yet handle the complexity of most industrial simulations, the initiative employs AI-based model reduction techniques to distill problems to a manageable size without sacrificing industrial relevance. This approach prioritizes identifying the most critical components of a simulation, allowing researchers to test hybrid quantum methods against established classical techniques using metrics directly tied to industrial performance.
The goal is not simply to demonstrate quantum supremacy, but to pinpoint specific scenarios where a blended classical-quantum approach delivers tangible benefits. This focus on practical application extends to the benchmarking process within HyQInt, the firm reports. This platform provides a single interface to access classical computers, simulators and quantum hardware from multiple providers, ensuring reproducible results.
Aqarios is also developing Luna to meet the evolving needs of both the hardware and the algorithms being tested, creating a symbiotic relationship between platform and innovation. The collaboration between Aqarios and Fraunhofer IISB exemplifies this reciprocal development. IISB is tailoring its AI-assisted hybrid algorithms to align with Luna’s requirements, ensuring that new methods can be smoothly integrated into a platform accessible to engineers.
“HyQInt opens Luna to a new group of users,” the project materials state, emphasizing the intent to empower engineers to use quantum optimization without requiring specialized quantum expertise. This focus on usability is further highlighted by HyQInt’s connection to QC Next, a larger initiative focused on building a modular software stack for the economic use of quantum computing.
Alongside HyQInt, the company is also participating in Q-NextGrid with E.ON and the European project IgnisQNC, consistently contributing Luna as the central platform, the company states. These partnerships demonstrate a long-term commitment to publicly funded research and the advancement of Luna through real-world applications, positioning the platform as a key component in bridging the gap between quantum potential and industrial implementation. Aqarios intends to share updates and results from HyQInt through its blog and LinkedIn channels, providing ongoing transparency into the project’s progress.
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