This year's meeting of the European Metaheuristics Community (EU/ME) takes place for the first time in Germany and at our institute. For three days, around 60 participants focus on innovative optimization methods at the interface of metaheuristics and quantum-based approaches. A summer academy is held for doctoral students.
What can quantum technology already achieve today, what are researchers working on, and how are quanta changing mathematics? Participants at the EU/ME conference discuss questions like these. Practical workshops are also held to provide insights into working with quantum computers. »We look forward to welcoming a broad international audience, sharing our expertise in quantum technology, and deepening our knowledge together«, says Prof. Dr. Anita Schöbel, Director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWM.
At Fraunhofer ITWM, around 30 researchers are working on various issues from different industries. The institute also offers young researchers a range of continuing education opportunities in quantum technology.
»In the coming days, we want to highlight how closely models, algorithms, and hardware are interconnected – it is essential to develop entirely new workflows to help quantum technology achieve a breakthrough«, said Schöbel in her welcoming speech.
Just in time for the conference, Anita Schöbel and a working group published a paper entitled »Quantum Computing for Discrete Optimization: A Highlight of Three Technologies«.
The authors offer an introduction to quantum computing from the perspective of an optimizer. They discuss the three most important approaches currently available for solving optimization problems with quantum computers.
Three different quantum computers – adiabatic, annealers, and gate-based – are used for this purpose. They were tested on typical integer optimization problems. Among other things, the paper covers use cases that arise in production processes, location planning, and logistics issues.
Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWM