(ChemEurope) Merck has announced a three-year cooperation with HQS Quantum Simulations, a start-up based in Karlsruhe, Germany. The cooperation between the startup and the Chief Digital Organisation of Merck will focus on applying and commercializing software for quantum chemical applications on quantum computers. Merck has the option for a distribution license.
“Quantum computing is poised to disrupt classical computing and enable a variety of unprecedented opportunities. The applications touch upon many fields with direct relevance to Merck and to our customers, for example materials research, drug discovery, artificial intelligence, and e-commerce,” said Philipp Harbach, Head of In Silico Research at the Chief Digital Organisation of Merck.
“We make software for near-term quantum computers,” said Michael Marthaler, CEO of HQS. “Conventional simulation can be used to reduce the space of possible candidates. By using near-term quantum computers, it is possible to reduce the number of molecules that need to be tested even further.”