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Business, Newsblog, Science
Interview with Benno Broer from Qu&Co
30 November 2021 ByJesse van Welzenes
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From hobby to business

Can you imagine missing studying dense papers on advanced quantum algorithms? Benno did. It started as a hobby, it turned into an idea, and we are now at a stage far beyond that. Today we speak with Benno, CEO of Qu&Co. The Amsterdam-based quantum startup is specialised in designing quantum algorithms and software.

Only 4 years ago, Benno was still fully involved in the consulting industry as he had his own consulting agency. Things went quite well; however, it lacked the excitement that Benno felt in his time as a student studying quantum physics. So he decided to act.

“In the first stage of around six months, it was more of a hobby. Every Friday afternoon I would be working on a bunch of scientific papers in my study room with a book of Nielsen and Chuang. That was like a reward at the end of the week, after which I started my weekends fully energised.” As sometimes is the case with hobbies, they get out of hand. This was also the case for Benno.

As he explains, “After ¾ years I thought, I now have a hobby. I had the idea that, because quantum technology developments were in an extremely early stage, there would be a lot of fun opportunities for entrepreneurs. I considered starting in hardware, but the costs of it were too high because hardware development is quite expensive. I decided that we should start in software and algorithm development because that was less capital demanding.”

In the phase of becoming a startup, Benno met Vincent. Vincent just finished his Ph.D. in theoretical quantum physics and algorithm design, exactly the field in which Qu&Co would become active. Benno and Vincent had complementary skills. Vincent had a lot of specialised knowledge in the field of quantum software and algorithm design whereas Benno had a lot of experience in running a business. The project was off the ground. “It started as a hobby which got a bit out of hand, but at the point that we were gaining momentum, we felt the responsibility to really make something out of it.”

Qu&Co is thus specialised in designing quantum algorithms, but what is the job of a quantum algorithm developer? It turns out that these algorithms come in general forms. “On the one hand we develop building-block algorithms which can be used to solve a certain class of mathematical problem, for example, we recently released an algorithm which can solve differential equations. Based on these building-block algorithms, we develop applied algorithms, which are tailored towards a more specific problem which is closer to the specific use-case of a customer.”

Ranging from big corporates who want to know how quantum software can help them, to academic groups involved in more fundamental research, Qu&Co has a very diverse group of customers and partners. This diversity introduces exactly what Benno missed in his first job, the technical aspect.

What I find the most exciting is that it is always very technical. We sell our products to people who have been doing chemical research for 20 years. In a very short time, we have to learn their language in order to understand their challenges. We understand the quantum technology, and they bring their domain expertise. And together we come-up with a solution to solve the issues that we are dealing with.

-Benno Broer, CEO at Qu&Co

Qu&Co is also involved in several projects in the Dutch quantum ecosystem, such as the ImpaQT project with companies from Delft, and a collaboration with Twente-based company QuiX. It is this ecosystem in which Qu&Co really feels at home. In fact, it is one of the things that made Qu&Co a business specialised in quantum technology.

What I like the most about being active in quantum technology is that we are here at an early stage, but it is still understandable enough to think about where we are heading. The choices we make, have an impact on the direction that this sector is going. We are a fish in a really small pond where we can make big waves. And that would not have been possible if we had been, for example, created an internet startup.

-Benno Broer, CEO at Qu&CO

So, are you a bit bored? There is a cure, start a business in quantum software. Involving yourself in quantum physics makes sure you will start your weekends with fresh energy.

Related articles

Postdoctoral Researcher in Quantum Algorithms and Optimization

We offer a two-year postdoctoral position as part of a joint research project between QuSoft and TOYOTA, that is exploring the possibilities of quantum computing in research and development use cases, in particular quantum optimization as part of machine learning workflows.

You will be employed at the Institute for Informatics (IvI) at the University of Amsterdam (UvA), and you will be a member of QuSoft, the Dutch research institute for quantum software.

What are you going to do
The project is a scientific exploration of the possibilities of speeding up the solving of optimization problems, especially those related to primitives in machine learning. This will be done in collaboration with domain experts from TOYOTA, who will contribute real-world use cases and data. Your research will encompass several aspects of this question, and will encompass:

  • study the computational problems arising within real-world machine learning work-flows, matching them with possible quantum optimization algorithms;
  • adapt these quantum algorithms for the specific use-cases, and develop new quan-tum algorithms for these tasks;
  • implement proof-of-concept versions of quantum optimization algorithms on real-world data and analyze their accuracy and performance;
  • write, publish, and present scientific papers disseminating your results.

The project will be supervised by:

  • dr. Sachin Kinge for TOYOTA
  • dr. Florian Speelman and prof. dr. Harry Buhrman for QuSoft, UvA

What do we require from you

    • a completed PhD in quantum algorithms, or a closely related topic;
    • strong motivation to work in a cross-disciplinary environment at the interface of academic and corporate research;
    • fluency in oral and written English and good presentation skills.

Our offer to you

A temporary employment contract for 38 hours per week for a period of 24 months. Starting as soon as possible.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 2,846 to € 4,490 (scale 10). This is supplemented by 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% end-of-year allowance. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable.

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits, check for the benefits here.

Do you have any questions about this vacancy?

Or do you want to know more about our organization? Please contact: Dr. Florian Speelman

Applications should include the following information (all files besides your CV should be submitted in one single pdf file):

  • a cover letter in which you present yourself briefly;
  • a personal statement describing your general research interests, past research and research plans;
  • a detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
  • a list of publications;
  • the names and email addresses of three referees who can provide letters of recommendation (please do not include any reference letters in your application).

Interested? Apply here.

By Vania López Díaz 17 November 2022
0 Comments/in Jobs /
https://quantumdelta.nl/TUQ/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/neutraal-quantum-beeld-1.jpeg 215 360 Vania López Díaz https://quantumdelta.nl/TUQ/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/QDNL_LOGO_RGB_HOR.svg Vania López Díaz2022-11-17 16:04:352022-11-17 16:09:42Postdoctoral Researcher in Quantum Algorithms and Optimization

House of Quantum and TNO sign collaboration agreement for shared quantum test facility

During the annual event for the entire Quantum Delta NL community, which took place in Rotterdam this month, House of Quantum (HoQ) and TNO signed a collaboration agreement for the development of a shared Quantum Technology (QT) test facility. This facility will be realized at the House of Quantum ‘Elektronicaweg’, in Delft.

Read more
By Juliette de la Rie 29 September 2022
0 Comments/in blog, Newsblog, QDNL news /
https://quantumdelta.nl/TUQ/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/HoQ-TNO2-scaled.jpg 1704 2560 Juliette de la Rie https://quantumdelta.nl/TUQ/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/QDNL_LOGO_RGB_HOR.svg Juliette de la Rie2022-09-29 07:32:312022-09-29 07:32:31House of Quantum and TNO sign collaboration agreement for shared quantum test facility

Winnaars eerste Quantum Delta NL MKB-call bekendgemaakt

Read more
By Juliette de la Rie 15 September 2022
0 Comments/in blog, Newsblog, QDNL news /
https://quantumdelta.nl/TUQ/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/DSC_3022-scaled.jpg 1703 2560 Juliette de la Rie https://quantumdelta.nl/TUQ/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/QDNL_LOGO_RGB_HOR.svg Juliette de la Rie2022-09-15 09:05:182022-09-16 09:21:58Winnaars eerste Quantum Delta NL MKB-call bekendgemaakt

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