LTIMindtree recently announced a strategic collaboration with IBM to advance the quantum innovation ecosystem. This move will enhance the company’s capabilities in tackling complex problems across various industries using quantum computing.
In 2023, the government announced an allocation of Rs 6,000 crore for the National Quantum Mission. LTIMindtree’s move to become the first Indian Global System Integrator to join the IBM Quantum Network could accelerate innovation in this space.
In an interaction with AIM, Aan Chauhan, chief technology officer at LTIMindtree, shared insights into the partnership’s potential. He also discussed the company’s vision for quantum computing’s role in addressing industry-specific challenges.
Chauhan explained that quantum computing’s strength lies in solving specific classes of problems, where classical computing approaches are insufficient. This includes optimisation, machine learning, simulation, and cybersecurity.
The CTO detailed the specific problems LTIMindtree aims to address using quantum computing across various industries.
In the BFSI sector, the company is exploring “fraud detection, anomaly detection, risk assessment, and portfolio optimisation”. For the energy sector, LTIMindtree is looking into “smart grid applications, such as unit commitment, demand forecasting, and value chain optimisation across energy production and distribution”.
The company also assesses use cases in manufacturing, travel, and high-tech industries.
LTIMindtree’s recent collaboration with IBM provides access to advanced quantum systems, including the ‘Heron’ processor and the latest tools from IBM’s development roadmap. Chauhan noted, “Access to these systems and resources empowers us to rapidly experiment with the most complex challenges using the most sophisticated quantum systems.”
This partnership positions LTIMindtree as a quantum-ready partner, prepared to help clients fast-track the application of quantum technology to their business problems.
This access, combined with the opportunity to collaborate with IBM Research members, accelerates applied research and enables LTIMindtree to help clients fast-track the application of quantum technology to their business problems.
The collaboration also extends to joint quantum research projects with IIT Madras, supporting India’s National Quantum Mission and aims to create a strong industry-academia ecosystem.
“Substantial research is being conducted at IIT Madras in areas such as quantum computing, quantum information theory, secure quantum communications, quantum sensing, and metrology,” Chauhan noted.
The partnership aims to “leverage these research efforts to design, develop, and test working prototypes for specific use cases”.
This three-way collaboration between these premium institutions could also be a move to address the need for substantial computational resources used to train and run generative AI models, as Chauhan had told AIM earlier.
“The increased processing power of quantum computers can enable computations faster than the classical computer by harnessing the principles of quantum mechanics. This may allow for faster processing of large-scale generative models, enabling more complex and realistic outputs within shorter timeframes,” he said.
Upskilling a Quantum Workforce
To develop a skilled workforce in quantum computing, LTIMindtree is building teams and has established a comprehensive framework for workforce development in collaboration with IIT Madras and IBM. This framework includes specialised training modules, hands-on workshops, and real-world projects.
“We have focused on building multidisciplinary teams to unlock quantum computing’s potential for industries,” Chauhan explained, highlighting the inclusion of experts across quantum physics, mathematics, quantum algorithms, computer science, machine learning, and industry-specific domains.
Recognising the need for specialised expertise, LTIMindtree is also committed to upskilling professionals in adjacent skills to create a well-rounded and effective team.
Chauhan also explained the structure and objectives of the planned quantum computing workshops, emphasising the value of bringing together diverse stakeholders.
“Last year, we organised industry-focused workshops involving our researchers, clients, and partners,” he said, noting the sessions’ benefits in providing insights into quantum possibilities and guiding research efforts. LTIMindtree plans to host more targeted workshops to foster valuable insights and solutions.
Regarding research grants, Chauhan said, “With the capabilities and collaborative ecosystem that we have developed, we look forward to contributing meaningfully to such calls and consortiums as an industry partner with quantum expertise.”
This multifaceted approach to workforce development and research collaboration underscores LTIMindtree’s commitment to advancing quantum computing capabilities and contributing to the Indian and global quantum innovation ecosystem.
What’s Next?
Joining the IBM Quantum Network aligns with LTIMindtree’s long-term business and technology strategy, enhancing the company’s ability to apply advanced emerging technologies to solve complex business problems.
Chauhan believes this collaboration will provide clients with an early-mover advantage, enriching the ecosystem with advanced accelerators, solutions, and practical research projects. As the first Indian company to join the IBM Quantum Network, LTIMindtree plans to leverage this position to differentiate itself in the competitive landscape.
He outlined the journey starting with “quantum awareness”, a foundational understanding of what quantum computing can achieve and its potential impact on businesses. This is followed by “quantum preparedness”, which involves assembling specialised teams, evaluating multiple platforms, and developing use cases.
Chauhan emphasised, “As a trusted partner deeply familiar with our client’s challenges and possessing expertise in quantum technology, we are taking charge of the essential elements of this journey, ensuring our clients can navigate this space and deal with its complexities.”
He further highlighted the creation of an ecosystem and capabilities specifically designed to give clients a jumpstart on their quantum journey.
By leveraging collective resources, expertise, base model use cases, accelerators, and quantum integration frameworks, Chauhan believes, “We can expedite every stage of this process, from increasing awareness to eventually harnessing the tangible benefits of quantum computing.”
