Bridging Physics, Computing, and Industry:Quantum Solutions Launchpad Experience

By: Viraj Dsouza, May 2026

Discovering Quantum Computing My interest in quantum computing can be traced back to a quantum information course that I took during my physics studies. Like many physics students, I was already fascinated by quantum mechanics, but this was the first time I encountered the idea that the same principles could be harnessed for computation. It was my first exposure to the possibility of using quantum systems not only to understand the world around us but also to process information in entirely new ways.

At that time, however, quantum computing was still a relatively niche area within the academic environment I was part of. While the course introduced the fundamental ideas, there was limited exposure to the computational and software aspects of the field, and relatively few opportunities to pursue them in depth. Although I remained interested in the subject and worked on projects related to quantum information theory, quantum computing itself remained more of a curiosity than an active research direction for me.

That changed a few years later when I was working as a Teaching Associate and became involved in teaching the practical component of an undergraduate quantum computing course. Preparing for the laboratory sessions and helping students navigate quantum software tools required me to engage with the field in a much more hands-on way than I had previously. In many ways, this experience reignited the interest that had first been sparked during my undergraduate studies. The more I learned, the more I realized how much the field had evolved and how many opportunities existed at the intersection of physics, computation, and real-world applications.

At the same time, I quickly realized that understanding the physics was only one part of the equation. To contribute meaningfully to quantum computing, I needed to develop strong computational and software skills. Over the course of more than a year, while working in an academic role as a Teaching Associate, I invested a significant amount of time in building those skills through self-study, open-source contributions, hackathons, QWorld programs, and WISER’s quantum training initiatives. These experiences gradually transformed my understanding of the field and prepared me for more advanced research opportunities.

Quantum Solutions Launchpad Experience

One of the most important milestones in that journey was my participation in the Quantum Solutions Launchpad (QSL) by WISER. Looking back, the fellowship arrived at exactly the right stage of my development. Prior to joining QSL, much of my effort had been focused on understanding existing quantum algorithms, learning why they worked, and studying the speedup arguments often presented in the literature. While this foundation was essential, QSL introduced a different perspective that continues to shape my work today:

"How do we actually use quantum algorithms to solve meaningful real-world problems?"

That shift in perspective may sound subtle, but it fundamentally changed the way I approached quantum computing research.

During the fellowship, I worked alongside an exceptional team of researchers in collaboration with Classiq on a project involving the quantum simulation of coupled harmonic oscillators. The work was based on foundational research from Google Quantum AI and focused on translating a promising theoretical algorithm into a practical, end-to-end quantum implementation.

The project was both technically demanding and deeply rewarding. Like many early-career researchers entering the field, we were still developing our programming expertise alongside our theoretical understanding. The original paper itself was not straightforward to interpret, and before writing a single line of code, we spent considerable time understanding the mathematical framework, algorithmic structure, and implementation requirements. From there, we gradually constructed the required quantum circuits, explored different implementation strategies, performed simulations, analyzed resource requirements, and evaluated the practicality of the approach.

My own contributions involved the construction of quantum circuits from the algorithmic descriptions in the paper, resource analysis, simulations, manuscript preparation, and presentations. I worked particularly closely with Dimitrios Kranas and Weronika Golletz, both of whom brought strong physics backgrounds and valuable technical insights. One aspect of the fellowship that I appreciated greatly was the collaborative nature of the work. We often divided sections of the research paper among ourselves, independently studying different components before bringing our understanding together as a team. This process not only accelerated progress but also strengthened my ability to communicate technical ideas and work effectively in a research environment.

The collaboration with Classiq added another valuable dimension to the experience. At the time, the QMOD language and several components of the software ecosystem were still relatively new. As a result, implementing the algorithm often required patience, experimentation, and regular interaction with the Classiq team. While these challenges occasionally slowed progress, they also provided an authentic view of what industrial quantum R&D actually looks like. Research is rarely a linear process. It involves navigating unfamiliar tools, debugging unexpected issues, questioning assumptions, and continuously refining ideas.

Perhaps the most important lesson I gained from the fellowship was learning to think about the complete lifecycle of research and development. In academia, it is often possible to focus on a specific aspect of a problem. Through QSL, I experienced the full process: reading literature, understanding theory, designing implementations, building software, analyzing resources, benchmarking results, writing technical reports, and communicating findings. This holistic perspective has remained extremely valuable in my professional work.

Key Takeaways from QSL • Transitioned from learning quantum algorithms to thinking about practical applications.

• Gained experience across the full research and development cycle. • Collaborated directly with researchers and industry partners.

• Developed skills in implementation, resource analysis, technical writing, and communication.

• Built confidence to contribute to meaningful quantum computing research.

Impact on My Research Career

The influence of QSL extends directly into my current role as a Quantum Computing Researcher at BQP. While the fellowship itself did not directly lead to my position, it strengthened many of the skills that ultimately supported my transition into industry. More importantly, it helped shape the way I think about quantum computing.

Today, much of my work focuses on quantum algorithms for scientific computing applications. The central question I encounter daily is not simply whether an algorithm is theoretically interesting, but whether it can provide practical value for real-world computational challenges. The application-oriented mindset I developed through QSL continues to guide my research.

A Memorable Milestone

Our work was subsequently recognized by the PennyLane team as one of the Top 5 Quantum Algorithms Papers of Winter 2026.

For me, this recognition was meaningful not simply because of the accolade itself, but because it validated months of effort spent navigating difficult technical challenges. More importantly, it reinforced a personal realization that I could contribute meaningfully to research in this field. For someone who entered quantum computing through a physics background and had to develop many computational skills along the way, that recognition represented an important milestone.

Why I Recommend QSL

I would strongly recommend the WISER Quantum Solutions Launchpad to students, researchers, and industry professionals interested in quantum technologies. The program provides a realistic understanding of both the opportunities and limitations of current quantum computing while offering valuable hands-on research experience.

Quantum computing is advancing rapidly, and it can be difficult to separate realistic opportunities from unrealistic expectations. Programs like QSL provide exposure to both the promise and the limitations of current quantum technologies. Participants gain a much clearer understanding of where the field stands today, what challenges remain unsolved, and what skills will be valuable as the technology matures.

For company directors and executives, I believe this understanding is becoming increasingly important. Organizations do not need to become quantum experts overnight, but developing internal quantum literacy today can help them make informed decisions in the future. The companies that begin building awareness now will be better positioned to identify genuine opportunities, evaluate emerging technologies realistically, and engage productively with the rapidly evolving quantum ecosystem.

My advice to industry leaders would be to focus on building understanding before chasing adoption. Quantum computing remains an emerging technology, and many of its most impactful applications are still being developed. Investing in education, workforce development, and exploratory research collaborations today can create a strong foundation for future innovation. Equally important is maintaining realistic expectations and distinguishing genuine progress from hype.

Looking back, the WISER Solutions Launchpad helped bridge the gap between learning about quantum algorithms and contributing to their practical development. It provided not only technical training, but also the opportunity to collaborate with talented researchers, engage directly with industry partners, and participate in meaningful research.

For that, I remain deeply grateful to the WISER team, my fellow researchers, and our collaborators at Classiq. The lessons I learned during those six months continue to shape the way I approach quantum computing research today, and I expect they will continue to do so for many years to come.