Fermioniq was founded in 2021 on the back of an astute observation: while most players in the field are fixated on developing quantum hardware, the software side has been largely overlooked. With genuine quantum computers still in their early days, Fermioniq has come up with an innovative intermediate solution. By using tensor network technology, which is rooted in fundamental physics, they are attempting to match the enormous computing power of quantum computers on existing, classical GPU computers.
The bridge between quantum theory and aerospace practice
The aerospace industry faces a major challenge in getting highly complex products to market quickly, which demands a high volume of simulations. Fermioniq’s technology compresses complex calculations, enabling a significantly higher resolution with a limited amount of memory than previously possible, without compromising the usability of the results. However, the key question was: does the technology work? And where is its greatest added value in the market?
One of the most complex physical challenges in aerospace is simulating airflow around aircraft. With high speeds, turbulent systems, and extended landing gear, the calculations particularly intricate.
“We have a technique and an idea of where it could be applied, but we are not experts in fluid dynamics”, Ido Niesen, co-founder of Fermioniq, explains. “NLR plays a crucial role in advising us to select test cases that push the limits of current physical models.”
Validation as an industrial seal of approval
Through NLR’s startup programme, Fermioniq gained access to specialist knowledge. A challenging scientific paper on channel flow simulations is being used as a benchmark in an ongoing study. Fermioniq is now replicating the solution using their technology to demonstrate that their high-resolution simulations align with physical reality. The technology holds great promise for NLR itself, offering a major efficiency gain for simulations and contributing to the advancement of knowledge in quantum software.
For Fermioniq, the collaboration goes beyond a mere technical check. “Aerospace is a highly regulated industry”, Jörgen Sandig, CEO of Fermioniq, notes. “As a startup, we lack credibility on our own. Although our technology disrupts existing norms, partnering with NLR provides a vital platform for objective validation. The fact that we are collaborating lends credibility to our technology and gives the market confidence in its potential.”
Access to a global ecosystem
NLR’s support extended beyond just technical expertise. Through the collaboration, Fermioniq became an integral part of the ecosystem, which led to participation in an innovation mission to Airbus in Munich. This opened up connections with end-users and created opportunities for European collaborations and subsidy programmes ’
“NLR’s vision of actively sharing knowledge with startups is truly refreshing”, the Fermioniq team says. “Not only do you gain access to highly detailed technical information, but you also become part of a network that unlocks future opportunities.”
Working together towards impact
The Fermioniq case demonstrates that innovation often arises at the intersection of different disciplines. By making room for new technologies that build upon existing knowledge, NLR reinforces its role as a catalyst and enabler of disruptive innovation.
“’NLR is an expert that advises us; they know which methods are valuable and which are not. That makes the collaboration extremely valuable for our market validation”
Are you also working on groundbreaking technology with your startup and looking for a partner to validate it for aerospace or industry? Get in touch with us through our startup programme and discover how we can help your innovation reach the market.
About Fermioniq
- Founded: 2021
- Number of employees: 8
- Core business: Development of quantum-inspired algorithms and software that enables complex physical simulations on classical hardware via tensor networks.
- Focus: Accelerating computationally intensive processes in industry, such as computational fluid dynamics (CFD), heat transfer, and electromagnetism.
