Boston quantum computing startup Zapata looks to go public - The Boston Globe
Summary
While fully functional quantum computers are still years away, Zapata has seen growing interest from industrial, pharmaceutical, and other companies looking at using its quantum simulation programs to tackle tough computing tasks, including training and running models for generative AI apps more efficiently than traditional software. “We create algorithms that leverage the math behind quantum physics to do some really cool stuff,” chief executive Christopher Savoie said in an interview. “Because your finances are public and there’s a lot of scrutiny already done on you.” Zapata employs 60 people, with about one-quarter working in the Boston area. Still, Maryland quantum computer startup IonQ went public by merging with a SPAC in 2021 and has seen its stock price almost double since. And Zapata employees sit in the team’s command center during races to help run the software.