Microsoft has introduced a new computing service called Azure Quantum Elements that aims to help chemical companies speed up the research and development of new materials.
The service uses a combination of existing quantum computers, artificial intelligence, and conventional high-performance computing systems to simulate huge numbers of possible combinations of atoms. This allows chemical companies to explore possible new materials virtually and then simulate how those materials would interact with the real world.
In a press release, Microsoft said that the system has helped some early customers speed up their development processes by as much as six months. Microsoft said that BASF, AkzoNobel, AspenTech, Johnson Matthey, SCGC, and 1910 Genetics have been testing the system.
Microsoft also revealed that, in addition to Azure Quantum Elements, it would provide a version of Copilot, an artificial intelligence system that assists software engineers in writing code. It is particularly intended for scientists who wish to utilize its services. It adds that it has reached a significant milestone in the development of its own quantum computer, claiming that it can now make and manage a quantum particle known as a Majorana fermion.
The sources for this piece include an article in Gadgets360.