“Introduction to Quantum Computing”

13 - 15 March 2024     |     The Cyprus Institute

Dr Alice Di Tucci, Postdoc researcher at DESY, Zeuthen

Dr Andreas Athenodorou, Associate Research Scientist, at CyI

Miss Maria Yanez Aguado, postgraduate student at Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) Barcelona, Spain

Agenda

13^th of March, 15:00-17:00     |     Andreas Mouskos Auditorium, The Cyprus Institute, 

"Quantum bits and Quantum Circuits", by Dr. Alice Di Tucci

In this talk we will discuss the fundamental ingredients and characteristics of quantum computing. We’ll start by reviewing some key aspects of classical computing to then introduce quantum bits and the operations that can be implemented on them. We’ll discuss unique features of quantum computing such as entanglement and no-cloning theorem to finally get to build quantum circuits.

14^th of March, 15:00-17:00     |     Andreas Mouskos Auditorium, The Cyprus Institute

"Grovers algorithm and the NISQ Era", by Dr. Andreas Athenodorou

Having introduced the audience with the fundamentals of Quantum Computing and quantum circuits, we now delve into Grover’s algorithm. Grover’s algorithm tackles the unstructured search problem with an exponential acceleration compared to its classical equivalent. Following this, we explore algorithms tailored to leverage the Noise Intermediate-scale Quantum (NISQ) era, notably highlighting the Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (QAOA). Lastly, we showcase the Variational Quantum Eigensolver (VQE) and its application in Quantum Chemistry.

15^th of March, 14:00-16:00     |     Guy Ourisson Building 2^nd floor, The Cyprus Institute

"Quantum Art: Applications in Music", by Miss. Maria Yanez Aguado

After an initial introduction to Quantum Computing, we can explore a multitude of applications. Scientists globally have already been investigating for years how we might exploit the unique properties of quantum computing to broaden our artistic and creative knowledge. This presentation will explore this interdisciplinary application, with a focus on Quantum Computer Music. Two quantum instruments will be presented, accompanied by live demonstrations of each.

 
About QUEST

Quantum Computing for Excellence in Science and Technology (QUEST) responds to the rapid developments that demonstrate the potential of Quantum Computing for breakthroughs in science and technology and the lack of leadership and critical mass of researchers in Cyprus in this field.

The project aims to make Cyprus “quantum ready”, aligning with the objectives of the widening program in general and the ERA chair action in particular. The objectives of QUEST also align by the role of CaSToRC as the national high-performance center of Cyprus, namely by the mission of the center to carry out computation-based interdisciplinary research, spread knowledge and provide support to local researchers in using computing technologies for research and innovation. The project is developing a research team of outstanding researchers, led by Professor Karl Jansen, who is appointed as the ERA Chair and by Professor Constantia Alexandrou acting as the Principal Investigator.

Website: https://quest.cyi.ac.cy/

 

About SimEA

The project Modeling and Simulation for Engineering Applications (SimEA) responds to the challenges and opportunities arising when advanced computing and data science are utilised to solve engineering problems. It is funded by the EU and coordinated by CaSToRC of CyI. The SimEA ERA Chair will expand the research portfolio of CaSToRC to include Computation-Based Engineering, collaborate with other research groups in Cyprus, Eastern Mediterranean and internationally, enrich the educational programs of CaSToRC and CyI and set the appropriate mechanisms to forge collaborations with Industry Partners. The project is developing a research team of outstanding researchers, led by Professor V. Harmandaris, who is appointed as the SimEA ERA Chair. 

Website: https://simea.eu/

QUEST has received funding from the European Union’s HORIZON research and innovation programme HORIZON-WIDERA-2022-TALENTS-01 under grant agreement No. 101087126

SimEA has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 810660