Quantum Computing has the potential to solve problems faster than classical supercomputers. This capability can change our world by enabling new methods to decrypt data, faster molecular analysis to design better drug treatments and solve complex optimization problems rapidly. The Quantum Computing and Optimization Lab (QCOL), at the Industrial and System Engineering Department of Lehigh University, was established in 2019 to accelerate the development of quantum computing optimization methodology. Mathematical optimization has critical applications in many disciplines, including physics, biology, engineering, economics, business, and finance. Quantum speed-up has the potential to lead to transformative, revolutionary advances and fundamentally impact society. The QCOL’s research focus is on developing novel QC methodologies to solve complex optimization problems.  Current research topics include

  • Quantum Interior Point Methods for solving Linear Optimization, Semi-definite Optimization, and Second-order Cone Optimization problems
  • Quantum methods to solve Combinatorial optimization problems such as the Stable Set Problem in Graph theory
  • Quantum Errors and Their Models

QCO Lab is supported by a recently awarded $2,128,658 research grant from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). https://engineering.lehigh.edu/news/article/21m-darpa-grant-puts-ise-faculty-vanguard-quantum-computing

QCOL is organizing G2S3 on Quantum Computing and Optimization at Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, from July 30 to August 12, 2023. In-person attendance is required. Graduate and advanced undergraduate students highly motivated to learn QC and optimization techniques are encouraged to apply. Experience in QC or optimization is not required to join the program.

More information: https://wordpress.lehigh.edu/siamquantum/

This lab is led by four faculty members

Ph.D. students

Undergrad Students

Former members

Collaborating partners

Conferences/Seminars/Courses

  • Quantum Computing Seminar Course by Giacomo Nannicini of IBM, Spring 2020.
  • 2023 Gene Golub SIAM Summer School on Quantum Computing and Optimization
  • Presentations and Posters: Quantum 2020, QuAlg20, INFORMS 2020, YQIS 2021, SIAM 2021, EURO 2021, MOPTA 2021, IFORS 2021, CORS 2021, INFORMS 2021, ICS 2022, IOS 2022, QIP 2022, ICCOPT 2022, INFORMS 2022, SIAM OPT 2023, ACM/IEEE IWQC 2022, SIAM OPT 2023, MOPTA 2023, EUROPT 2023, INFORMS 2023.
  • Upcoming: IOS 2024, ISMP 2024.

QCOL GitHub Repository