The Quantum Application Lab at the University of Amsterdam is working with Dutch water utility Vitens on an innovative project to optimize water distribution using quantum software. Based at Amsterdam Science Park, the project launched in 2025 to explore how quantum algorithms can improve simulation and control of complex water systems. The goal: enable cost-efficiency and smarter infrastructure through faster computation.
Researchers tested both hybrid and fully quantum algorithms on models of water networks, focusing on pressure, flow rate, and energy efficiency. The hybrid approach delivered the best accuracy for now. Importantly, the software is open source, allowing others to build on this proof of concept. The project marks a key step toward real-world applications of quantum technology in infrastructure management.
While the current focus is water distribution, the underlying methods are widely applicable. Quantum optimization can be adapted for flood modeling, groundwater systems, material flows in industry, and even DNA-based analysis of water quality. For utilities, this offers benefits like faster simulations, real-time monitoring, better leak detection, and energy savings. The approach also fits broader use cases, from pipeline optimization to logistics.
To read the full news release from the University of Amsterdam, visit: Optimising water distribution with quantum software
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