Multinationals AkzoNobel and Microsoft have teamed up to explore how quantum computing could help accelerate the development of high-performance, more sustainable paints and coatings.
The two companies have announced that scientists from both sides will jointly develop what will effectively be a virtual laboratory. The goal is none other than to conduct experiments using quantum computing and other services in the Microsoft Azure cloud.
Quantum chemical computing is capable of simulating chemical reactions with an unprecedented level of accuracy. Together, Microsoft and AkzoNobel will explore how this can contribute to creating more advanced and sustainable products through collaborative experimentation and development.
Klaas Kruithof, AkzoNobel’s chief technology officer confirms that this partnership is really exciting because of its potential to be truly innovative. “We are incredibly proud to partner with Microsoft and investigate how we can take our digital research to a new dimension. Innovation requires collaboration and this is a fantastic way for us to continue to push the boundaries so that we can make a sustainable and lasting difference for our customers and the planet,” adds the executive.
According to Matthias Troyer, distinguished scientist in Microsoft’s Azure Quantum program, “The promise of quantum computing and other Azure services to accelerate chemistry and materials problem solving, and their associated workloads, is immense. We are delighted to partner with AkzoNobel to drive new value and generate world-changing impact.”
“Combining our track record of pioneering product development with Microsoft’s quantum and cloud computing expertise represents another major step forward in digitizing our research,” notes Pim Koeckhoven, Chief Technology Officer in Research and Development at AkzoNobel, adding, “Until now, the quality of traditional computer simulations has not been up to par. Microsoft’s Azure Quantum system offers us incredible opportunities to take our research into a completely new digital realm and accelerate the development of new catalysts and chemical reactions.”
Quantum chemistry offers revolutionary and endless industrial applications and possibilities. Among its many possibilities is to help overcome many of the practical limits associated with traditional laboratory methods, such as raw material availability, physical equipment capacity limitations, toxicity, as well as environmental conditions. Therefore, it could drastically reduce the time it takes to find substitute ingredients to make more sustainable products, with new functionalities or to replace scarce raw materials.
