PsiQuantum, a silicon photonic fault-tolerant quantum computing company, and QunaSys, a developer of quantum algorithms and quantum chemistry calculations for materials development, have launched a joint research project to assess the power of fault-tolerant quantum computing for industrial chemistry calculations. The calculations aim to accelerate the development of sustainable materials. Specifically, the companies will collaborate to advance the use of quantum computing in the chemistry industry, combining complementary strengths in quantum hardware, algorithm development, and materials sciences. Quantum computers can efficiently emulate other quantum systems, such as electrons in molecules, for more predictable and accurate insights into the chemical and physical properties of complex materials, and for paving the way for the development of more sustainable and environmentally safe products. Japanese materials science company JSR Corp. has joined the project as an alpha customer. JSR will evaluate quantum computing for advancements in the manufacture of photoresists, elastomers, plastics, and reagents. QunaSys will work with PsiQuantum to develop software to estimate the computational time and resources needed for a fault-tolerant quantum computer to solve advanced quantum chemistry simulations. JSR will then use this software for materials research and development. It will use fault-tolerant quantum computers to solve previously impossible materials simulations. “Our partnership with PsiQuantum gives us access to the latest advances in fault-tolerant quantum computing, a key requirement for addressing commercially useful applications,” QunaSys CEO Tennin Yan said. “Working with JSR means that this research will support breakthrough developments at a leading materials science company whose products and services are created with a focus on preserving the environment.” Josh Richman, chief revenue officer at PsiQuantum, said, “This type of collaboration could pave the way to the discovery of new materials for use in the manufacturing of semiconductors, synthetic rubbers, LCD displays, digital 3D applications, next-generation plastics, novel life science products, and more.”