Building a Quantum-Ready Philippines: DOST-ASTI equips Researchers through Foundational Quantum Computing Training
Quezon City, Philippines—In a push towards building a sustainable quantum computing research and innovation ecosystem in the Philippines, the Department of Science and Technology-Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI), through its Quantum Innovation Laboratory (QIL), recently conducted the "QCS + QIP Quantum 101: Foundational Training in Quantum Computing" on 5 December 2024 at the ASTI Training Room. A significant step in the Philippines’ foray into quantum computing, the training aims to equip Filipino researchers with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate and contribute to the global quantum revolution.
Exploring the Foundations of Quantum Computing
Spearheaded by the Quantum Circuit Simulation (QCS) and Quantum Image Processing (QIP) R&D Projects under the QIL, the training provided a comprehensive exploration of the theoretical and practical aspects of quantum computing. The program began with S&T Fellow Dr. Gene Moses Itable’s engaging overview of quantum computing’s historical context, foundational principles, and current global trends. Dr. Itable emphasized that quantum computing is not just a theoretical endeavor but a pathway to solving problems that are computationally infeasible for classical systems. “Quantum computing is often presented as a technology that will solve every problem exponentially faster, but that’s a misconception,” explained Dr. Itable, citing insights from leading quantum engineers. “At scale, quantum computers are anticipated to solve some classes of problems with theoretical scaling advantages—exponential in some cases. It’s important to approach quantum computing with realistic expectations while recognizing its transformative potential.”
Dr. Gene Moses Itable, S&T Fellow I, delivered an insightful talk “Introduction to Quantum Computing, 'de-hyping' its capabilities and setting realistic expectations for its future impact.
Mr. Jeffrey A. Aborot, Supervising Science Research Specialist and Project Leader, delivered two critical sessions. The first, on the fundamentals of quantum computing, explaining key principles of quantum mechanics such as quantum superposition, quantum entanglement, and quantum interference. This session laid the groundwork for understanding how quantum systems differ from classical systems.
The second session highlighted quantum algorithms, featuring Deutsch-Jozsa's Algorithm, Bernstein-Vazirani algorithm, and Grover's Algorithm. These algorithms demonstrated the potential of quantum computation to solve specific problems more efficiently than classical methods. Mr. Aborot also discussed the circuit model of quantum computing, where algorithms are expressed through quantum gates, and explained circuit complexity—the minimum number of gates required to implement a given algorithm. These sessions provided a crucial bridge between abstract quantum theory and its practical applications.
Mr. Jeffrey A. Aborot, Supervising Science Research Specialist and Project Lead, delivered talks on ‘A Very High-Level Introduction to Fundamental Concepts in Quantum Computing’ and ‘Oracular Problems and Early Quantum Algorithms,’ bridging quantum theory with practical insights.
A highlight of the training was an invited talk by Dr. Benjamin Dingel, head of the Ateneo Research on Optical Science, Engineering, and Systems (ROSES) Laboratory, on the potential of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) in advancing quantum computing and optical science. He described PICs as a transformative technology that operates by leveraging light instead of electrons, highlighting their applications in telecommunications, biosensors, and quantum computing. Dr. Dingel emphasized the multidisciplinary nature of quantum research, illustrating how optical science and engineering can bridge gaps in hardware development. He also noted the importance of collaboration between institutions like DOST-ASTI and the Ateneo ROSES Lab in positioning the Philippines as a contributor to global quantum innovation.
Dr. Benjamin Dingel, head of Ateneo's ROSES Lab, discussed Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) and their potential to advance quantum computing in the Philippines. He is joined by members of the Ateneo ROSES Lab team from the Department of Physics, Ateneo de Manila University, who participated in the Quantum 101 Training as attendees.
Mr. Ross Romuel Mariano, Science Research Specialist II, provided an introduction to quantum software programming, focusing on the use of Qiskit to construct and simulate quantum circuits using the quantum circuit model. He demonstrated practical applications of quantum gates, noise models, and quantum circuit simulations, preparing researchers for programming tasks in quantum computing. Mr. Jul Jon General, Project Technical Specialist I, followed with a session on quantum circuit simulations, exploring advanced computational techniques such as decision diagram-based methods and tensor network models. These tools offer scalable solutions for simulating quantum algorithms and optimizing computations on classical hardware, bridging theoretical concepts with practical research capabilities.
Mr. Jul Jon General, Project Technical Specialist I, focused on quantum circuit simulations, where he introduced advanced computational techniques such as decision diagram-based methods and tensor network models. These methods were presented as efficient and scalable solutions for simulating quantum algorithms, which are often computationally demanding on classical systems.
Mr. Ross Romuel Mariano, Science Research Specialist II, presented the ‘Quantum Software Programming’ and ‘Quantum Image Processing (QIP),’ showcasing quantum tools like Qiskit and exploring the revolutionary potential of quantum techniques in image analysis.
In the final lecture, Mr. Mariano discussed Quantum Image Processing (QIP) as an emerging application of quantum computing. He explained how quantum techniques could be applied to image-related tasks such as compression, segmentation, and edge detection, providing insights into how QIP leverages the principles of quantum superposition and entanglement to represent and manipulate images more efficiently. The session highlighted the potential of QIP to revolutionize fields that require extensive image analysis, such as medical imaging and remote sensing, positioning it as a valuable area of research.
Ms. Joanna G. Syjuco, Chief Science Research Specialist of the Computer Software Division, delivered her closing remarks, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and capacity building in advancing the country’s quantum research. ‘We are not just catching up—we are actively shaping a future where quantum technology becomes a tool for inclusive development and global competitiveness,’ she affirmed.
A Leap Into the Future
As quantum computing continues to evolve, its economic and societal impacts are becoming increasingly apparent. DOST-ASTI’s Quantum Innovation Laboratory is ensuring that the Philippines can contribute to this quantum-enabled future. By equipping researchers with the tools, knowledge, and collaborative networks they need, the institute is setting the stage for breakthroughs that could redefine the country’s scientific and technological landscape. Through strategic partnerships, capacity building, and a commitment to excellence, DOST-ASTI is leading the charge in quantum computing innovation—one quantum leap at a time.