The graphics processing unit (GPU) was a windfall for artificial intelligence, as the architecture turned out to be well-suited for deep learning. What if quantum computing enabled an even more advanced form of artificial intelligence (AI)?
“Machine learning depends on Big Data right now,” said Pooya Ronagh. “A deep learning program might need to see tens of thousands of pictures of cats and dogs to learn the difference. But human intelligence — even a toddler — might be able to learn the same thing with a single drawing.”
Perhaps quantum machine learning could bridge that gap.
That question has been on Ronagh’s mind as he explores the intersection of quantum computing and AI at IQC and Perimeter Institute.
Techniques from classical machine learning, a type of artificial intelligence, can improve quantum information processing, suppress errors, help researchers realize high-quality gates and more. However, it is also possible that quantum hardware could improve machine learning, or even enable a new form of artificial intelligence.
Whatever the answer may be, Ronagh likes to know he is working towards something that will have a broad impact in the long-term. And he sees collaboration between industry and academia as crucial for creating that impact.
“Lots of scientific interaction happens when you bring together industry and academia,” said Ronagh, who works to connect the Vancouver-based quantum software company where he works, 1Qbit, with the Waterloo quantum ecosystem.
“Academia explores scientific grounds of problems in a variety of domains and makes important discoveries. Industry is great at then employing large, targeted teams of people to engineer specific integrated systems and applications that make use of that research.”
It’s a synergy that Ronagh is hopeful will lead to revolutionary quantum technologies.
Ronagh is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy and the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC). He is also a Scientific Lead at the Perimeter Institute Quantum Intelligence Lab (PIQuIL), and directs the Hardware Innovation Lab of 1QBit.