UKRI-1245 NQCC WP18 Open Standards for Emerging Quantum Processors

Tender description

The National Quantum Computing Centre has an objective to deliver an early-stage quantum computer (Noisy Intermediate Scale Quantum, NISQ machine) that can outperform conventional computing for a range of tasks, by 2025. In order to achieve this medium-term goal, the NQCC has developed a technology roadmap, and has identified a series of technical work packages (WPs) that are suitable for delivery by external contractors. These WPs focus on the delivery of technology solutions according to a set of required technical performance specifications, for both hardware and software, related to quantum computing. This tender relates to WP18 - Open standards for emerging quantum processors. Lot 1: The NQCC seeks to commission a study involving the appraisal of existing metrics, and the development of new metrics, for measuring the performance (computational power) of quantum processors, including non-circuit-based devices. Existing metrics are to include, but not be limited to, qubit count, noise and (both variants of) quantum volume. The intent is to address the need for objective performance comparisons, by defining standard metrics and the associated methodologies by which emerging quantum processors can be fairly measured and compared. Additional information: This is Procurement Exercise is being run as a two-stage Restricted Procurement Procedure. Suppliers will need to register within the Delta portal in order to access the information provided for this stage of the process by following the link: https://ukri.delta-esourcing.com/