AkzoNobel and Microsoft collaborate on quantum computing

Paints and coatings maker AkzoNobel and Microsoft announced that together they will co-develop a virtual laboratory to carry out quantum computing experiments and use Azure cloud services.

AkzoNobel hopes to apply quantum chemical computation to overcome traditional limitations of lab chemistry like constraints on physical equipment, limited resources, or toxicity.

“Combining our track record for pioneering product development with Microsoft’s cloud and quantum computing expertise represents another huge step forward in the digitization of our research. Up until now, the quality of traditional computer simulations hasn’t been up to the task. Microsoft’s Azure Quantum system offers incredible opportunities for us to take our research into an entirely new digital realm and speed up the development of new novel catalysts and chemical reactions,” stated Pim Koeckhoven, Technology Director in Research and Development at AkzoNobel.

“The promise of quantum computing and other Azure services to accelerate solving chemistry and materials problems – and their associated workloads – is immense. We’re thrilled to partner with AkzoNobel to drive new value and deliver world-changing impact,” said Dr. Matthias Troyer, Distinguished Scientist in Microsoft’s Azure Quantum program, in a statement.