The Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) has announced a partnership with Toronto-based Xanadu, which designs and integrates quantum silicon photonic chips into existing hardware to create full-stack quantum computing.
The partnership will allow ventures in the CDL quantum machine learning program to access and receive hands-on technical assistance to Xanadu’s Strawberry Fields, an open-source quantum software platform. Strawberry Fields contains a quantum machine learning toolbox built on TensorFlow, an open-source library created by Google Brain.
“CDL brings together the world’s greatest concentration of quantum technologists, software programmers, and investors.”
– Nathan Killoran
“CDL brings together the world’s greatest concentration of quantum technologists, software programmers, and investors. We’re thrilled to support the program and its entrepreneurs as they develop real-world applications for quantum computers,” said Nathan Killoran, head of the quantum machine learning team at Xanadu. “Our built-in TensorFlow backend, machine learning toolbox, and interactive interface allow users to start programming a quantum computer and generating machine learning models without requiring a deep knowledge of quantum circuits.”
CDL said that as its first photonic-based partner, Xanadu will help expand the options of quantum systems available for algorithm development for startups currently enrolled in the CDL program.
“Quantum machine learning is a nascent field, not only as a potential application for quantum computing but also as a tool to develop and program quantum processors,” said Daniel Mulet, associate director of CDL. “Xanadu’s dedicated QML team is developing new algorithms leveraging a photonic architecture for deep learning. They will support up to 25 projects this year and we look forward to the scalable, high-growth technology companies that will emerge.”
In May 2017, the CDL announced a partnership with D-Wave Systems to create a new track for startups working in the field of quantum machine learning. Also in May, CDL announced a cross-country expansion into Calgary, Montreal, and Halifax. The CDL also has programs at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management and the University of British Columbia’s Sauder School of Business.
Xanadu raised a $9 million seed round in May of this year.
Photo via Xanadu.
