Using Azure services and the promise of quantum computing, researchers and developers from both companies will team up to establish what is effectively a cloud-based laboratory environment.
AkzoNobel delivers high-performance, innovative paint and coating products to over 150 countries, and is a frontrunner in sustainability. The ability to speed up the development of novel paint materials and features with an intentional focus on sustainability has tremendous opportunity to contribute to both a better product today and a better environment for tomorrow.
“AkzoNobel is a leader in chemistry applications in furtherance of more sustainable paints, with a track record of science-led breakthroughs. Meanwhile, Azure is an enabler in terms of helping its customers invent with purpose,” said Dr. Matthias Troyer, Technical Fellow in Microsoft’s Azure Quantum Program. “I’m incredibly excited for the results that will come of bringing together our two companies’ prioritization of sustainability in the realm of novel chemistry solutions. The promise of quantum and other Azure services to accelerate solving chemistry and materials problems while managing associated workloads is immense.”
Pim Koeckhoven, Technology Director in Research and Development at AkzoNobel adds, “Combining our track record for pioneering product development with Microsoft’s cloud and quantum computing expertise could lead to another huge step forward in the digitization of our research. Expanding our existing engagement with Azure to include quantum exploration in chemistry and materials has the potential to be truly groundbreaking.”
Simulations allow the teams to explore significantly more potential chemistry combinations without the constraints associated with traditional laboratory methods—such as availability of raw materials, physical equipment constraints, toxicity and environmental conditions. With each simulation, the boundaries of knowledge required to develop more sustainable paints and coatings will be expanded.
Today, these workloads make use of the scale of Azure and innovative algorithms. Such workloads will be accelerated and made more accurate with quantum computing, unlocking industry-transforming potential in the way industrial materials are developed. Researchers and developers can start exploring quantum hardware for free today with Azure Quantum.
This collaboration with AkzoNobel is part of Microsoft’s dedicated efforts to develop solutions for chemical and materials science companies. We welcome AkzoNobel to our community of quantum thought leaders and invite other enterprises seeking to explore the potential for Azure cloud services and quantum computing to innovate and dramatically improve their chemistry and materials development to express their interest.