Zapata AI, also known as Zapata Computing, was founded by a group of quantum computing experts and academics from Harvard University.
The key founders include:
Alán Aspuru-Guzik: He is a professor of Chemistry and Computer Science at the University of Toronto and is known for his work in quantum computing, materials science, and machine learning. Before co-founding Zapata, he was a professor at Harvard University, where he conducted significant research in quantum chemistry and quantum computing.
Peter Johnson: He holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Harvard University, where he worked on quantum algorithms for quantum chemistry and materials science. He is one of the co-founders and has served as Chief Scientist at Zapata Computing, focusing on the development of quantum computing software.
Yudong Cao: He completed his Ph.D. in Physics at Harvard University, where his research was centered around quantum algorithms and their application to problems in chemistry and materials science. At Zapata, he has been involved in leading the scientific team and driving the development of quantum algorithms.
Christopher Savoie: While not a founder, Christopher Savoie is the CEO of Zapata Computing. He has a strong background in biotechnology and artificial intelligence and has been a significant driving force behind the company's business and strategic direction.
The founders have a strong academic background, particularly in quantum computing, chemistry, and materials science, which has shaped Zapata Computing's focus on developing quantum algorithms and software solutions for industrial applications.
Zapata Computing has established partnerships and collaborations with several leading companies across various industries to advance the development and application of quantum computing technologies. Some of the notable partners and customers of Zapata Computing include:
1. IBM
- Zapata Computing has a strong partnership with IBM, particularly through IBM's Quantum Network. This collaboration allows Zapata to develop and deploy quantum algorithms on IBM's quantum hardware and software platforms, including IBM Q systems.
2. Honeywell
- Zapata has partnered with Honeywell Quantum Solutions to explore quantum computing applications. Honeywell provides hardware capabilities, while Zapata offers expertise in developing quantum algorithms and software, particularly through their Orquestra® platform.
3. DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency)
- Zapata has been involved in projects with DARPA, focusing on the potential of quantum computing for solving complex problems, particularly in areas related to defense and national security.
4. AstraZeneca
- In the pharmaceutical industry, Zapata has collaborated with AstraZeneca to explore the use of quantum computing in drug discovery and materials science. This partnership is part of a broader trend where quantum computing is being investigated for its potential to revolutionize the discovery of new drugs.
5. BP
- BP has partnered with Zapata to explore how quantum computing can be applied to complex optimization problems in the energy sector, such as improving the efficiency of energy production and distribution.
6. DHL
- DHL, a leading logistics company, has been working with Zapata to investigate the application of quantum computing in logistics optimization, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and supply chain management.
7. Total Energies
- Zapata has worked with Total Energies to explore quantum computing applications in energy, particularly in optimizing complex processes within the oil and gas sector.
8. Orquestra® Users
- Zapata’s Orquestra® platform, which integrates classical and quantum workflows, is used by a range of companies and research institutions. Orquestra® is designed to help organizations develop, test, and deploy quantum computing solutions tailored to their specific industry needs.
These partnerships and collaborations reflect Zapata Computing's strategy of working closely with industry leaders to drive practical quantum computing applications in fields such as energy, pharmaceuticals, logistics, and more. Their focus is on leveraging quantum computing to solve real-world problems, often in conjunction with classical computing resources.
Zapata AI has been working with both IONQ and D-Wave Quantum in significant partnerships aimed at advancing quantum computing and AI integration.
IONQ Collaboration: Zapata AI has a strategic alliance with IONQ that focuses on exploring and benchmarking generative AI techniques on quantum hardware. This partnership, which builds on years of previous collaboration, is particularly focused on leveraging IONQ’s advanced quantum computing systems to drive breakthroughs in industrial-scale AI applications.
The goal is to develop quantum-enhanced generative AI models that could offer significant advantages in solving complex business problems(Zapata AI).
D-Wave Quantum Partnership: Zapata AI has also expanded its partnership with D-Wave Quantum. This collaboration centers on developing and commercially deploying applications that combine Zapata’s generative AI expertise with D-Wave’s quantum annealing technology. The joint effort is aimed at creating quantum-enabled machine learning models that can solve highly complex computational problems, such as those involved in molecular discovery.
Additionally, the partnership includes efforts to bring these applications to market through D-Wave’s Leap cloud service(D-Wave Systems,D-Wave Systems).
These collaborations demonstrate Zapata AI's commitment to integrating cutting-edge quantum computing capabilities with their advanced AI solutions, positioning them at the forefront of quantum-enhanced AI development.
