Quantum computing is believed to be the heart of the next-generation computing technology. The mission of Institute for Quantum Computing (established in March 2018) at Baidu Research is to be a world-class Quantum Artificial Intelligence (AI) research strength, and to continuously integrate relevant quantum technologies into Baidu’s core Business. Our goal includes building quantum technology capacity (Quantum Computing Platform, IPs, Standards, Patents, etc.); top talents; grand research projects; thought leadership; developing key applications into core business. All of these aims to make Baidu quantum ready.
We have general interests in Quantum Information Science. At this stage, we focus on three research priority topics: Quantum AI, Quantum Algorithm and Quantum Architecture(QAAA for short). For Quantum AI, on the one hand the advantages of information processing in quantum computing can be used to promote the development of artificial intelligence; on the other hand, we can utilize current artificial intelligence technology to break through the bottleneck of quantum research and development. Specific research areas include Machine Learning, Information Security, and Blockchain. For Quantum Algorithms, we aim to design effective quantum algorithms for certain tasks, while extending the design and analysis techniques of some classical algorithms to quantum scenes, or by optimizing existing quantum (or classical) algorithms and determine their feasibility and limitations. Specific research areas include Quantum Simulation, Quantum Search, and Quantum Secure Computation. The research on Quantum Architecture can effectively support the development of Quantum AI and Quantum Algorithms. Specific research areas include Quantum Hardware Interfaces, Distributed Quantum Information Processing, Unified Programming Platforms, Quantum Networks and Internet, and Quantum and Post-Quantum Crypto.
Based on QAAA Plan, Baidu Institute for Quantum Computing aims to provide a comprehensive Quantum Infrastructure as a Service (QaaS). The frontend of our Quantum Platform can connect users and developers, and the backend can interface with hardware providers. In addition, we are actively constructing Baidu Quantum Ecosystem, contributing to the development and prosperity of the field of quantum computing through cooperation with the leading universities and institutes, through holding and sponsoring top-level conferences in the field, and through cooperation with all sectors of the industry.