Before quantum computing arrives, this startup wants enterprises already running on it

Following his departure from AMD Silo AI, where he served as CEO after a significant acquisition, Finnish entrepreneur Peter Sarlin is venturing into new territory. He has taken on the role of chairman at two innovative firms: NestAI, focused on physical AI, and QuTwo, an ambitious startup geared towards preparing businesses for the upcoming quantum computing revolution. QuTwo, funded by Sarlin's family office, PostScriptum, positions itself as a forward-thinking AI lab designed for the quantum age. Rather than waiting for quantum computing to fully develop, the company has already begun collaborating with enterprise clients, including the European fashion giant Zalando. Together, they are working on “lifestyle agents,” sophisticated AI tools that aim to enhance user experience by proactively suggesting products and services beyond mere search functionalities. Sarlin emphasizes that while AI is currently facing efficiency challenges, quantum computing holds the potential to provide solutions. However, instead of relying on the unpredictable timeline of quantum advancements, QuTwo is innovating with its QuTwo OS—an orchestration layer that facilitates the transition from classical to quantum computing, utilizing hybrid systems throughout. Investments made by Sarlin in Finnish quantum firms such as IQM and QMill reflect a growing belief among investors in the transformative capabilities of quantum technology. They anticipate that it will eventually surpass classical computing across various sectors, particularly in reducing the energy demands of AI. Sarlin believes that initial applications will necessitate a combination of hardware environments, allowing companies to concentrate on their core business challenges while QuTwo OS manages the computational logistics. QuTwo OS is designed for flexibility, capable of supporting both quantum and classical algorithms, making it suitable for today’s technology landscape. The startup’s team boasts a wealth of experience from both quantum and AI domains, featuring notable figures such as IQM co-founder Kuan Yen Tan and former Nokia CEO Pekka Lundmark. With over 30 experts in quantum and AI on board, Sarlin is clear about QuTwo's mission: to drive AI workloads towards quantum solutions while firmly establishing itself as a dedicated AI company. In addition to Zalando, QuTwo is also collaborating with OP Pohjola, a leading Finnish financial services provider, on a joint quantum AI research initiative. From the outset, QuTwo has adopted a commercial approach, securing large design partnerships worth tens of millions, which not only help refine their product but also provide enterprises a strategic advantage in the imminent quantum landscape.