Quantum computing has the potential to revolutionize the way government agencies operate and protect their systems and networks. Why? Because it is a disruptive technology that has the potential to surpass the capabilities of the world’s most powerful supercomputers and solve problems that are considered too complicated for classical computers. As Quantum computers and software continue to evolve, they offer the potential to be exponentially faster than traditional ones and can provide a processing advantage for complex compute applications such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. For good reason, agencies are investigating how, where and when quantum can help advance their missions.
Challenge: Identify How, Where and When to Use Quantum and How to Ensure Success
GDIT was recently selected as a quantum readiness partner by an intelligence agency in possession of massive and incredibly complex data sets. With a goal of identifying opportunities to leverage quantum computing within their organization, our client approached GDIT with an important ask: Could we help them become quantum-ready by pinpointing where to use quantum capabilities , what would be needed to make quantum projects successful from both an infrastructure and talent perspective, and how could they demonstrate a return on their quantum investments?
Approach: Pair Technical Quantum Expertise with Mission Experience and Understanding
Because quantum computing facilitates the ability to process a wide range of information states simultaneously and allows for more efficient data processing using less data than classical computing, this efficiency can lead to breakthroughs in how data is analyzed, interpreted, and utilized, particularly in fields requiring real-time decision making and large-scale data processing and analysis.
GDIT has conducted pioneering research into how quantum compares to classical computing for focused mission use cases within intelligence agencies. We are beginning to understand and recognize the quantum advantage over classical approaches, and we are, in parallel, advancing the collective understanding of quantum networking, quantum application development, and the integration of quantum computing for these agencies. Today, in conjunction with industry leading quantum computing hardware and software companies, we are pairing this knowledge with our existing technology portfolio to design and develop quantum solutions and strategies that are equal parts technologically advanced and practical.
Impact: Foundation Set for Quantum Capabilities that Advance the Mission
As a result of this partnership, our team was able to set the foundation for new quantum capabilities and ensure the agency was well positioned to thrive into a new world of quantum computing. Together, we developed and validated quantum algorithms designed specifically for their mission and compared these to classical approaches. We explored quantum networking, quantum application development, and the integration of quantum computing with other existing technologies used by the agency to enable the development of advanced analytic solutions to process and analyze data. We also collaborated on and exploration of quantum machine learning to support real-time decision-making and large-scale data processing and analysis, and on the advantages quantum computing may provide for customer-specific missions and use cases.
This is an example of how GDIT is working with customers’ to expand knowledge and prepare for a new quantum computing world. This strategic approach enables agencies to become better equipped to leverage quantum technology and develop long-term - roadmaps to guide future research and development of advanced technologies and applications.
As with any emerging technology, the true potential of quantum computing is yet to be fully realized. But as this case study demonstrated, the use cases and applications being explored today are
redefining the art of the possible within agencies.