PASQAL, a Paris-based company that develops quantum processing units, and BASF, the world’s largest chemical company, have announced a partnership for weather and other computational fluid dynamics applications. To this effect, BASF is investigating the possibility of using the exclusive quantum algorithms of PASQAL to forecast weather patterns. Future developments of PASQAL’s approaches to enable climate modeling can be supported by the findings from this research.
According to Hyperion Research, weather modeling accounts for 5% of all high-performance computing investments worldwide. BASF leverages parameters produced by weather models to simulate crop yields and growth phases and to anticipate drift when applying crop protection agents.
“PASQAL’s quantum solutions are ideal for simplifying BASF’s complex computational simulations once quantum hardware matures to a point where we can actually leverage these algorithms,”
Dr. John Manobianco, Senior Weather Modeler at BASF’s Agricultural Solutions division.
Physics-based weather models are complicated. They include information on winds, heat transmission, solar radiation, relative humidity, terrain structure, and many other characteristics. Therefore, solving intricate sets of nonlinear differential equations is necessary for weather forecasting. By utilizing quantum neural networks on its neutral atom quantum processors, PASQAL hopes to find a unique and more effective technique to solve the underlying complicated nonlinear differential equations.
“Leveraging PASQAL’s innovation for weather modeling validates quantum computing’s ability to go beyond what can be achieved with classical high-performance computing. Such transformational technology can help us prepare for climate change impacts and drive progress toward a more sustainable future.”
Dr. John Manobianco
The classical equivalent of PASQAL’s method is physics informed neutral networks (PINN), widely utilized in weather and climate prediction by top scientists and technology companies. PASQAL’s customers include Johnson & Johnson, LG, Airbus, BMW Group, etc. They offer quantum computing services to several industries.
“We’re honored to be selected by BASF, a world leader in the chemicals industry, to improve weather modeling through our quantum technology,” “With climate change, we are seeing more extreme weather patterns, which makes accurate and timely weather prediction increasingly more important for business and society. Joining forces with an important player like BASF is a step forward in learning how quantum computing can help monitor and mitigate the worst effects of global climate change.”
Georges-Olivier Reymond, CEO of PASQAL.
PASQAL builds Programmable Quantum Simulators and Quantum Computers made of 2D and 3D Atomic Arrays. They develop lasers, vacuum technology, electronic controls, and the software stack to make the individual atoms accessible to quantum programmers worldwide.
BASF creates chemistry for a sustainable future. They combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 111,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of their customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world.
