The Ecosystem for Research Networking and the Northeast Big Data Innovation Hub(NEBDHub) have partnered to host a series of webinars focusing on Quantum Computing. This Dynamic series will convene leading researchers, industry innovators, and educators to explore the evolving frontiers of quantum science and technology. These virtual events are designed for learners, educators researchers, and professionals. Each interactive session will span topics from foundational principles to cutting edge real-world application, bridging disciplines and sparking discovery.

Applied Quantum AI in the NISQ Era to Address Real World Problems

Machine learning and artificial intelligence are often cited as application areas likely to benefit from quantum computing, but the timeline for realizing practical advantage remains an open question. Must meaningful quantum utility in machine learning wait for fault-tolerant hardware, or can it be explored in the current NISQ (Noisy Intermediate Scale Quantum) era?

This talk introduces quantum computing and the state of quantum machine learning (QML) from an applied research perspective, focusing on how quantum utility is being defined and evaluated. Drawing on ongoing work at SAS, representative QML techniques and hybrid quantum-classical workflows that are being investigated against real-world, customer-motivated problems will be discussed. The discussion centers on how QML methods are benchmarked against classical approaches, which problem types show early promise, and how hybrid quantum-classical techniques are being applied in practice.

Bill Wisotsky began his academic career at SUNY Albany, graduating in 1994. While pursuing a Ph.D. in Behavioral Neuroscience at CUNY, he conducted biophysics research on neural pathways in the human visual system using visual evoked potentials. It was during this time, while studying photon absorption in the retina, that he first encountered the principles of quantum physics. Concepts like superposition and entanglement, initially explored out of necessity, quickly sparked a deep and lasting fascination.

This curiosity evolved into a passion as Bill delved into the emerging field of quantum computing. He immersed himself in the theoretical foundations and practical applications of quantum mechanics in computation, laying the groundwork for what would become a defining focus of his career.

Bill has been with SAS since 2002 as part of US Professional Services. Throughout this tenure, Bill continued to nurture his interest in quantum technologies. He actively pursued coursework, attended seminars, and experimented with various quantum environments. His hands-on exploration led to the development of several small-scale proofs of concept, that ultimately catalyzed the launch of the Applied Quantum AI Initiative at SAS. Today, Bill serves as the Principal Quantum Systems Architect in the Applied Architecture and Technology Practice of Research and Development, leading efforts to integrate quantum computing into real-world business solutions.