Research Topic Number 3 - Quantum Machine Learning

Background
The number of physical qubits available for quantum calculation is continuously increasing in the recent years. Yet a perfect logical qubit with error correction functions has not been accomplished by any quantum computer providers. Fault Tolerant Quantum Computer (FTQC) with enough number of qubits is essential to attain the quantum algorithms which is proved to have quantum advantage. And it is predicted to be accomplished in 10 years or more later.
 As the result of the previously mentioned above, the recent quantum computers, known as Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) computer, are constructed by physical qubits that store the data for short periods of time and a set of state control gate without sufficient fidelity. Accompanied with number of qubit growth and the progress of quantum algorithm, not only the research of machine toward the FTQC, but also whether NISQ computers will take an important role of solving real world problems or not, becomes an attracting question for our society.
 Toshiba is working for a sustainable future for the earth and its people by contributing to the realization of carbon neutrality and a circular economy. We are looking for quantum evolution in which quantum technologies drive the social value creation. Toshiba and Japanese partner companies together established the industrial alliance (Q-STAR) to create the quantum industries. Toshiba also becomes a member of the Quantum Innovation Initiative Consortium (QIIC) to conduct quantum computing research by obtaining superior access to IBM’s superconductor type quantum computers via membership to the IBM Quantum Network. We are eager to use this opportunity on quantum machine learning research that is expected to help us achieving our vision.

Expected Research Proposals
We are expecting research proposals related to quantum algorithms available for NISQ devices. In　particular, it may be related to the following items: 
-    Quantum machine learning algorithms by taking the advantage of the right to access the quantum computers.
-    Parametrized quantum circuits optimization methods to tackle the barren plateau problem, reduce its process and be robust to noise.
-    Effective techniques related to data encoding, ansatz, error mitigation and efficient quantum state measurement for raising up machine learning abilities.

References 
[1] Toshiba Corporate Information: Our strategy | Corporate Information | Toshiba (global.toshiba)
[2] Toshiba News Release: Establishment of Quantum Strategic Industry Alliance for Revolution (Q-STAR) | News | Toshiba (global.toshiba)
[3] IBM News Release: IBM and the University of Tokyo Unveil the Quantum Innovation Initiative Consortium to Accelerate Japan's Quantum Research and Development Leadership - Jul 30, 2020
[4] Boston Consulting Group publication: The Path to Building Quantum Advantage | BCG
[5] arXiv: [2101.08448] Noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) algorithms (arxiv.org), 2021