IBM Quantum Innovation Center

Introduction

The National Energy Research Scientific Computer Center (NERSC) at Berkeley Lab is now accepting applications as part of its Quantum Computing Access at NERSC (QCAN) program to conduct research in the area of quantum information science using superconducting quantum hardware resources available through the IBM Quantum Innovation Center (QIC) that is established at NERSC. Selected science teams will work with NERSC for a 6 month performance period on quantum computing application research and development with options to extend access in time depending on availability of resources and satisfactory performance.

At the time of writing, the Quantum Innovation Center provides NERSC users with access to 8 quantum computers ranging from 127 to 156 qubits, as well as a variety of noisy, approximate and exact simulator backends for rapid application prototyping.

All areas of quantum information science research are encouraged to apply, including, but not limited to:

• quantum simulation of materials science and chemical systems,

• quantum application and algorithm development, in particular applications aligned with the DOE Office of Science mission,

• quantum characterization, verification, and validation,

• integration of quantum computing and high-performance computing resources,

• error mitigation for quantum computing, and

• hybrid quantum-classical algorithms.

The IBM Quantum software stack will be available for researchers to develop their applications and run them on the IBM Quantum Platform using the IBM Python-based Qiskit API. Training sessions and materials at various levels will be provided to NERSC users. Technical support from NERSC and IBM experts will be available to selected teams. 

Who should apply

This is an open call. It is not limited to current NERSC users. Project teams must be from a single institution. Applicants are strongly encouraged to carefully review the information provided below before submitting their application.

Application Requirements

Applicants must,

• Propose a clearly defined project scope,

• Articulate clear, specific, and measurable objectives,

• Make appropriate resource commitments,

• Designate and maintain a point of contact,

• Staff the team for the proposed work (team members must be affiliated with a single organization),

• Produce intermediate and final progress reports.

• Describe the readiness of the proposed work for quantum hardware runs.

• Describe the size of the quantum hardware runs that will be run during the project.

• Agree to the NERSC Non-Proprietary User Agreement, the NERSC Quantum Acknowledgement, the usual NERSC policies,   to IBM and Export Control Regulations (see below), IBM Member agreement (to be signed with IBM), and the IBM Quantum End User Agreement (upon creating an IBM account).

Export Control Requirements

Users are required to comply with all applicable U.S. Export Control and sanctions laws and regulations. Proposed work must be open and fundamental research intended for publication. The use of NERSC and LBNL resources to store, manipulate, or remotely access information, software, or data that may affect the legal or security status of NERSC or LBNL or require additional controls, requires prior written approval from LBNL and IBM, which may be withheld at the sole discretion of each party. Such materials include, but are not limited to, export-controlled software or technical data (e.g. under EAR (Export Administration Regulations) or ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations)), Personally Identifiable Information, or health information (including data covered by HIPAA, the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act), and information subject to “Official Use Only” or similar governmental restrictions.

Selection Criteria

Submission will be evaluated on the following criteria:

• Application readiness for quantum hardware runs.

• Relevance to research areas supported by the DOE Office of Science

• Potential for (i) scientific impact and/or (ii) advancements in quantum integration with HPC.

• Commitment from the team.

• Technical feasibility.

• Clarity in scope, timeline, objectives, and track record of previous engagements.

Timeline

Applications are currently accepted and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. For full consideration for the first phase of this program, please submit your application by February 18, 2025. Successful applicants will be granted access for 6 months initially with opportunities to extend depending on availability of resources and satisfactory performance.

Apply

Submit your application using the form below.