Unlocking the Potential of Quantum Computing
- Rafal Tekreeti
- 10 minutes ago
- 6 min read
VSC Connect Blog
Interview with Carl Mensch, VSC staff member
Q: Could you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your background, particularly how you transitioned from quantum chemistry to the world of high-performance computing (HPC) and quantum computing?
My name is Carl Mensch, and I work as an HPC consultant and computational chemist at the VSC and UAntwerp. From a young age, I was fascinated by science and wanted to understand our world in detail. This passion led me to study chemistry and eventually to pursue a Ph.D. in it. I was intrigued by the potential of computers to understand our world at the molecular level, allowing us to visualize and study chemical processes—from laboratory experiments to biological mechanisms—directly on our computer screens. I needed a lot of computational power to study chemical reactions and biological systems, and this led me to high-performance computing. In recent years, the new computing paradigm, quantum computing, has gained significant momentum, making it an exciting time to closely follow its developments. I’m eager to see how it will evolve in the coming years and reshape the fields of chemistry and science.
Q: Quantum computing has been a buzzword for a while now. From your perspective, what is the current state of quantum computing, both globally and in Flanders? How close are we to seeing real-world applications?
Quantum computing has garnered significant global attention, with major tech companies like Google, Amazon, IBM, and Microsoft investing in its development. Some of these key developments are actually done in Europe, for example, in Microsoft´s quantum laboratory in Denmark that builds on many years of collaboration with researchers at the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen and the Technical University of Denmark. Or in IBM’s Zurich lab. Other promising developments in Europe are seen from companies such as Pasqal and IQM and many others.
Despite this enthusiasm, building functional quantum computing hardware has proven challenging. Isolating quantum systems from environmental interference is difficult, leading to high error rates and computational instability. Consequently, predicting the timeline for a fully operational quantum computer remains uncertain, with estimations ranging from years to decades. The state of today’s quantum computers is reminiscent of the computers in the 1940s and 1950s that occupied entire rooms.
In Flanders, we have an active research community at universities and research institutes such as imec, delving into quantum physics, developing novel qubits, designing quantum sensors, studying quantum information theory, building quantum chemistry algorithms, working on quantum-secure communications, etc.
While a lot of work on such quantum algorithms still needs to be done, let’s also not forget about existing algorithms such as Shor’s algorithm that can factor large numbers into their prime factors, so that once a quantum computer is mature enough to run the quantum algorithm, it could break RSA encryption, which is widely used to secure digital communications, including online banking, secure emails, and governmental data. This is a major concern for cybersecurity because RSA and other public-key cryptosystems rely on the difficulty of factoring large numbers—a problem that classical computers cannot solve but quantum computers, using Shor’s algorithm, could solve.
Q: People often hear about the immense potential of quantum computing. Which specific applications do you think will be the first to benefit from quantum computing, and why? Are there particular fields, like quantum chemistry, that you believe will lead the way?
Quantum computing holds promise for various applications, particularly in simulating complex quantum systems. Fields such as quantum chemistry and materials science are poised to benefit early on, as quantum computers can model molecular and atomic interactions more accurately than classical computers. This capability could lead to breakthroughs in drug discovery, the development of new materials for batteries or photovoltaics, novel catalysts, and a deeper understanding of chemical reactions.
Q: For HPC users who are more familiar with classical computing, how do you see quantum computing fitting into existing workflows? Is it more about complementing current HPC systems or potentially replacing them in specific scenarios?
Quantum computing will complement classical HPC systems and not replace them. Hybrid approaches, integrating quantum and classical computing, are likely to emerge, leveraging the strengths of both paradigms. Quantum computers could handle specific tasks that are computationally intensive for classical systems, such as simulating quantum phenomena, while classical computers manage the broader scope of computations or the processing of large amounts of data. Similar to having GPUs available in current HPC infrastructure as accelerators, in the future we will have QPUs available.
Q: For researchers and HPC users, when do you think it makes sense to start exploring quantum computing? Is now the time to learn, or should they wait for the technology to mature?
Given the rapid advancements in quantum computing, researchers and HPC users should start familiarizing themselves with the technology now, as it operates on fundamentally different principles than classical computing. Early engagement enables a deeper understanding of quantum algorithms, practical applications, and the growing quantum ecosystem. By getting involved early, individuals and organizations can position themselves to leverage breakthroughs as the field matures. This is an exciting time to contribute to the future of quantum computing, and there is a pressing need for skilled professionals to drive innovation. Furthermore, given the complexity of the topic, it is important to develop the ability of our researchers to distinguish hype from genuine breakthroughs.
Q: Every technology has its challenges. What are the biggest hurdles that quantum computing faces today? Is it primarily a hardware issue, software, or perhaps a talent gap?
All of the above. Major challenges in quantum computing currently revolve around hardware and algorithm development. Isolating quantum systems to preserve their properties is a significant obstacle, leading to issues like high error rates and instability. Additionally, there is a need for the development of specialized algorithms tailored to quantum architectures. Solving such exciting issues requires multidisciplinary skills and expertise from physicists, computer scientists, engineers, and many others. Such talents are not only in high demand for quantum science, but also for other rapidly developing fields such as artificial intelligence.
Q: At the Vlaams Supercomputing Centrum, how are you preparing for the quantum era? Are there initiatives, collaborations, or resources available for researchers interested in quantum computing?
In the past years, VSC has organized several webinars and hands-on trainings on quantum computing and will continue to do so in the future. We actively engage with researchers and organizations that want to work in this field and welcome anyone to contact us. In the coming years, several quantum computing systems funded by Europe via the EuroHPC JU will become available and we will support researchers to gain access and expertise via this network. VSC participates in the EuroSSQ-HPC consortium together with colleagues from the Netherlands and France that will exploit a quantum computer based on semiconductor spin-qubits.
Q: Why should policymakers consider investing in quantum computing? What are the strategic advantages, not only for research but also for Flanders as a region? What do we need to foster a vibrant quantum computing ecosystem?
Investing in quantum computing is a strategic opportunity for Flanders to strengthen its position as a hub for innovation, particularly in key sectors such as life sciences and chemistry. To build a thriving quantum ecosystem, policymakers must support long-term research funding, specialized infrastructure, and education programs to develop a skilled workforce. Facilitating strong collaborations between academia, industry, and government will ensure that Flanders is not just a participant but a leader in the global quantum economy.
Q: If we look five to ten years ahead, where do you see quantum computing? Do you expect it to remain a niche tool, or do you foresee broader adoption?
Predicting the future of quantum computing is challenging, as both hardware and software development remain uncertain. However, one thing is clear: quantum computing will not replace classical computing but rather complement it in solving specific, hard-to-compute problems. While classical computers excel at many tasks, ongoing research aims to identify areas where quantum computers can provide a clear advantage.
That said, quantum computers will not be universally superior—many computations will still be more efficiently handled classically. For instance, in chemistry, quantum computing may offer breakthroughs in niche scientific challenges, but not every chemical computation will require a quantum solution. Over the next five to ten years, we can expect hybrid quantum-classical approaches to emerge, gradually integrating quantum computing into real-world use cases.
Q: Finally, what advice would you give to researchers or companies who want to get involved with quantum computing? Are there specific resources, training, or partnerships you recommend?
Researchers and companies interested in quantum computing should proactively seek interdisciplinary collaborations. Engaging with academic institutions and participating in specialized training programs can build knowledge. We encourage you to reach out to VSC for partnerships or questions. Furthermore, VSC is an active member of the Quantum Circle that connects a growing number of Belgian organizations interested in quantum computing, communication and sensing. Follow the website for more information and upcoming events and training initiatives.
To study quantum computing, many courses are available online, including access to actual quantum systems, such as those by IBM and IQM for example. VSC offers the recordings of several of our webinars on our YouTube channel.
A down-to-earth yet stimulating introduction to the complex matter of quantum computing, separating facts from fiction, recommended read is “An introduction to the quantum world” by Koen Groenland that can be downloaded for free or ordered here.
