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Built with ❤️ by the quantum computing community

    Back to Industries

    Chemical Manufacturing

    Applications of quantum computing in chemical processes, material design, and manufacturing optimisation.

    24 Case Studies
    1 Related Algorithm
    8 Target Roles

    The chemical manufacturing industry faces computational challenges in molecular modeling, process simulation, and material discovery that impact product development, manufacturing efficiency, and innovation capabilities. Quantum computing offers potential solutions to these challenges through several key applications that address specific computational bottlenecks in the sector.

    Molecular simulation represents the most promising near-term application, where quantum algorithms can model electron behaviour and molecular interactions with greater accuracy than classical approximations. For chemical manufacturers, this translates to improved prediction of reaction kinetics, thermodynamic properties, and molecular behaviour under various conditions. Several chemical companies have established quantum research initiatives specifically targeting these capabilities to enhance process design and reaction optimization.

    Catalyst design applications leverage quantum chemistry to model complex transition states and reaction intermediates with greater accuracy than classical methods. Improved catalyst design directly impacts reaction efficiency, selectivity, and energy requirements—fundamental factors in chemical manufacturing economics and environmental impact. Quantum approaches may identify novel catalytic materials or optimization strategies for existing processes.

    Process optimization applications address complex scheduling, resource allocation, and parameter optimization challenges in chemical manufacturing operations. Quantum algorithms can potentially evaluate more process configurations and operating conditions than classical approaches, improving production efficiency, reducing energy consumption, and enhancing quality control.

    Material discovery applications use quantum simulation to predict properties of novel compounds before synthesis, potentially accelerating innovation cycles and reducing development costs. Applications include polymer design, specialty chemicals, and advanced materials with specific performance characteristics tailored to customer requirements.

    Quality control applications leverage quantum machine learning for pattern recognition in spectroscopic data, process monitoring, and defect detection. These capabilities can enhance product consistency while reducing testing costs and production losses.

    Implementation strategies for chemical manufacturers should focus on identifying specific computational bottlenecks in current research and production processes, developing quantum expertise through targeted use cases, establishing partnerships with quantum technology providers, and creating hybrid approaches that can deliver incremental benefits as quantum hardware capabilities mature.


    Related Case Studies

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    Quantum Brilliance and Pawsey Supercomputing Centre

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    IBM and ExxonMobil: Advancing Energy and Materials Science through Quantum Computing

    IBM Quantum and ExxonMobil partnered to explore quantum computing applications for solving complex computational challenges in energy and chemical research. This collaboration focuses on developing quantum algorithms for molecular simulation, materials discovery, and optimization problems critical to the energy sector.

    IBM and ExxonMobil explore maritime logistics optimization

    An early collaboration to explore the use of quantum computing for energy optimization and environmental modelling.

    IBM and MolTex Energy explore nuclear waste processing

    Exploring quantum computing for optimizing molten salt reactor designs and nuclear waste processing.

    IBM and Quantum Network Partnership with MIT: Advancing Quantum Computing Research and Education

    IBM and MIT have established a comprehensive quantum computing partnership through the IBM Quantum Network, providing MIT researchers and students with cloud-based access to IBM's quantum processors and systems. This collaboration has enabled groundbreaking research in quantum algorithms, error correction, and applications across multiple disciplines while training the next generation of quantum scientists.

    IBM and Boeing explore aerospace materials optimisation

    A collaboration between IBM Quantum and Boeing to explore the use of quantum computing for aerospace materials design and corrosion prevention.

    Google and Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceutical Research

    Exploring drug discovery and molecular modeling for future advantages in pharmaceutical development.

    Quantum Computing Collaboration for Energy Sector Optimization

    IBM, Rigetti, and ExxonMobil have partnered to explore quantum computing applications in the energy sector, focusing on molecular simulation, optimization problems, and materials discovery. This collaboration aims to leverage quantum algorithms to solve computationally intensive challenges in petrochemical research and operations.

    IBM and Quantum Network Partnership with U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratories

    IBM Quantum has established strategic partnerships with multiple U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Laboratories to advance quantum computing research and applications in critical scientific domains. This collaboration leverages IBM's quantum computing systems and expertise alongside the DOE labs' world-class scientific capabilities to tackle complex challenges in materials science, high-energy physics, and computational chemistry.

    IBM and ExxonMobil Quantum Computing Partnership for Energy and Chemical Research

    IBM and ExxonMobil partnered in 2019 to explore quantum computing applications in energy sector challenges, focusing on molecular simulation, optimization problems, and materials discovery. The collaboration leverages IBM's quantum computing expertise and ExxonMobil's domain knowledge to address complex computational challenges in petrochemicals, carbon capture, and energy optimization.

    ZZZZ QSimulate-Bosch Partnership: Quantum Computing for Materials Discovery and Chemical Simulation

    QSimulate, a quantum software company specializing in chemical simulations, partnered with Bosch to leverage quantum computing for accelerating materials discovery and molecular modeling. This collaboration aims to enhance Bosch's R&D capabilities in developing advanced materials for automotive, industrial, and consumer applications through quantum-enhanced computational chemistry.

    1QBit and Dow Chemical explore optimisation and risk analysis

    Applying quantum computing for financial portfolio optimisation and risk analysis, improving investment decision-making.

    IQM and HQS Quantum Simulations: Advancing Quantum Computing for Materials and Drug Discovery

    IQM, a leading quantum computer manufacturer, partnered with HQS Quantum Simulations to integrate quantum algorithms and simulation software with IQM's quantum hardware platforms. This collaboration aims to accelerate practical quantum applications in materials science, drug discovery, and chemical simulations by combining IQM's superconducting quantum processors with HQS's specialized quantum simulation software.

    IQM and Jülich Supercomputing Centre: Advancing European Quantum Computing Infrastructure

    IQM Quantum Computers partnered with Jülich Supercomputing Centre (JSC) to develop and deploy quantum computing systems as part of the Quantum Computing User Infrastructure for Europe (QCUIE) project. This collaboration aims to integrate quantum processors into Europe's leading HPC infrastructure, providing researchers with access to cutting-edge quantum computing resources.

    IQM and VTT Partnership: Advancing European Quantum Computing Infrastructure

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    1QBit explore drug discovery with Accenture and Biogen

    Accenture Labs and 1QBit work with Biogen to apply quantum computing to accelerate the research around drug discovery.

    ZZZ IBM and Mitsubishi Chemical: Advancing Materials Discovery Through Quantum Computing

    IBM and Mitsubishi Chemical partnered to explore quantum computing applications in materials science and chemical simulation, focusing on developing new materials and optimizing chemical processes. This collaboration leverages IBM's quantum computing expertise and Mitsubishi Chemical's deep domain knowledge to accelerate innovation in the chemical industry.

    CQC and Crown Bioscience explore drug discovery

    Exploring quantum computing for drug discovery and molecular simulation, demonstrating up to 100x speedup in specific molecular property calculations.

    IBM and Mitsubishi Chemical explore materials discovery

    Collaborating on catalyst design, polymer development, and reaction pathway optimization in chemical research.

    CQC and Nippon Steel explore materials science

    Quantum computing applications in steel manufacturing, focusing on materials discovery and supply chain optimisation. This collaboration aimed to use quantum algorithms to solve complex computational challenges in metallurgy and industrial processes.

    ZZZ IBM and Quantum Network Partnership with Major Tech Companies

    While IBM has not announced formal quantum computing partnerships specifically with Apple or Amazon, IBM Quantum Network includes over 180 organizations exploring quantum computing applications. IBM has established partnerships with other major tech companies and continues to expand its quantum ecosystem through cloud-based quantum computing access and collaborative research initiatives.

    Pasqal and Saudi Aramco partner for energy sector applications

    Collaborating to harness neutral-atom quantum computing for optimizing energy operations and solving complex challenges in the oil and gas industry.

    Industry Details

    Related Algorithms

    Shor's Algorithm

    Target Roles

    Quantum Cloud and Platform Provider
    Quantum Solutions Provider
    Quantum Algorithm Developer
    Software Engineer
    Business Decision-Maker
    Systems Integration Engineer
    Domain Expert
    Quantum Chemist