"This... puts quantum computing to work on a problem that matters today."

Steve Flammia, Head of Phasecraft US, Professor of Computer Science at Virginia Tech

Following the announcement that Phasecraft has been selected by ARPA-E to develop and apply quantum algorithms for catalyst discovery, Steve Flammia, Head of Phasecraft US and Professor of Computer Science at Virginia Tech, provided this exclusive comment:

This award is significant because it puts quantum computing to work on a problem that matters today. Catalysts sit at the heart of modern industry, from hydrogen production to refining and manufacturing, yet discovering better ones remains incredibly difficult. If quantum algorithms can help reduce our reliance on scarce materials like iridium, it could lower costs, strengthen supply chains, improve industrial competitiveness and help unlock new approaches to energy production. That’s exactly the kind of challenge quantum should be tackling.