HQS is XPRIZE Quantum Applications semifinalist for pioneering spin‑physics approach to NMR
HQS Quantum Simulations has been selected as a semifinalist in XPRIZE Quantum Applications – a global competition designed to catalyze practical quantum‑computing algorithms that address real‑world challenges. From 133 submissions across 31 countries, 20 teams were recognized by an independent judging panel for the plausibility and quality of their ideas and for independently validated progress toward real‑world impact. Notably, half of the Semifinalists proposed genuinely new algorithms—an uncommon achievement in the field—while teams collectively target 11 societal challenges, including clean energy, climate adaptation, and public health, directly advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
HQS’s submission is built on a clear thesis: spin physics alone is a sufficient and compelling use case for quantum computing. The company has established an industry‑oriented benchmarking program for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) simulation that pairs best‑in‑class classical reference methods with HQS Spectrum Tools’ clustering NMR solver. This allows the team to dial accuracy versus compute time in a controlled way, validate against exact solutions, and rigorously identify where classical methods begin to break down—pinpointing concrete targets for credible quantum advantage.
A prime example is phosphorus chemistry. Phosphorus is ubiquitous across pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals, agrochemicals, specialty polymers, and energy‑storage materials. Yet detailed spectral analysis of phosphorus‑containing molecules can be exceptionally difficult: broad chemical‑shift ranges, complex coupling networks, and diverse magnetic‑field regimes strain classical approximations. In HQS benchmarks, selected phosphorus‑rich systems already exhibit features at the boundary of classical tractability—making them ideal candidates for near‑term quantum benchmarks. The same methodology extends to zero‑field NMR, a regime with rich spin dynamics that is especially demanding for classical simulation and promising for next‑generation sensing technologies.
“Being named an XPRIZE semifinalist validates our strategy: combine rigorous classical baselines with targeted quantum algorithms to deliver practical gains in spectroscopy,” said Dr. Michael Marthaler, CEO and CO-Founder of HQS Quantum Simulations. “Phosphorus chemistry is both everywhere and hard—exactly the kind of high‑value problem where quantum can make a measurable difference for industry.”
As the competition moves into deeper technical evaluation, semifinalists will demonstrate credible progress toward measurable quantum advantage, supporting evidence for real‑world impact, and clearly articulated technical feasibility. Finalists are expected to be announced in December 2025.
About XPRIZE Quantum Applications
XPRIZE Quantum Applications is a three‑year, $5M global competition to accelerate quantum‑computing algorithms that can be put into practice to solve real‑world problems. The competition emphasizes independent validation, technical feasibility, and measurable paths to quantum advantage across societally important challenge areas. XPRIZE Quantum Applications is sponsored by the Google Quantum AI and Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA).
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