Starting BQP

Preston DeGarmo: First off, would love to hear about the original inspiration behind BQP. Was this a light bulb moment, or a gradual iterative process?

Abhishek Chopra: I’d definitely say it was gradual. I’ve been passionate about computational fluid dynamics since high school. I came to the U.S. to pursue it, working in various research labs at Rutgers, Purdue, and even in Denmark, testing aircrafts, wind turbines, and more. Eventually, I started a direct PhD at RPI, focusing on developing large-scale simulation codes.

A pivotal moment came when RPI’s supercomputer—where my codes ran—was decommissioned. The new cluster was 97% GPU-powered, but my CPU-based Fortran codes couldn’t run efficiently on it. This challenge led me to explore how to accelerate simulations on GPUs. I participated in a hackathon with Oak Ridge National Lab and Nvidia, porting my code to GPUs. While successful in theory, the performance improvements were marginal due to algorithmic bottlenecks. This failure sparked a deeper exploration into fundamental algorithmic changes.

Around this time, I brainstormed with my best friend from Rutgers, Rut Lineswala (CTO), who had similar experiences working on supersonic flows at the U.S. Air Force. Together, we explored quantum computing as a solution. Merging quantum computing with my focus on fluid dynamics led to the foundation of BQP, with quantum turbulence being a key area of excitement since 2018.

Classical v/s Quantum

PD: For many folks, quantum computing is still a mysterious concept - borderline science fiction. Could you explain the key differences between classical and quantum computing and their implications for end-users?

AC: Absolutely. Classical computing is deterministic— 1 + 1 always equals 2. Quantum computing, however, works probabilistically, where 1 + 1 has the highest probability of equaling 2 but can vary. This difference is rooted in quantum mechanics utilizing qubits and complex numbers instead of traditional bits.

A common misconception is that quantum computing is just about the hardware. A fundamental component is quantum information science, which defines the math behind the physics. At BQP, for instance, we use quantum-inspired algorithms on classical systems, delivering immediate value without waiting for fully developed quantum hardware.

Quantum computing excels in solving NP-hard problems like optimization and cryptography. It’s also powerful in areas like linear algebra, which has applications in computational fluid dynamics, material discovery, and finance. However, quantum computing is not a universal replacement—it complements CPUs and GPUs within a tech stack.

BQP Breakthrough

PD: Given that these breakthroughs have been around for decades, what makes BQP novel in the landscape of quantum-inspired algorithms?

AC: Our differentiation lies in applying quantum-inspired algorithms to real-world problems in aerospace and defense, among other mission-critical industries. While these algorithms have existed academically, few have implemented them on supercomputers for practical use.

We focus on delivering a scalable platform, not just services. Our vision is to be the BlackRock of the simulation world—a backend platform powering critical computations. Unlike traditional simulation companies, we’re pushing boundaries with faster, more accurate simulations tailored to industries where engineering bottlenecks hinder innovation.

PD: Prior to BQP, what has been the typical workaround for engineers facing computational bottlenecks?

AC: Engineers often simplify problems to bypass computational limits, but this leads to suboptimal results. With increasingly complex systems—from supersonic aircraft to electric vehicles—these shortcuts are no longer viable. Outdated simulation tools exacerbate the problem, delaying innovation and increasing costs.

BQP aims to address this by accelerating simulations, enabling more accurate and efficient engineering processes. For instance, our solutions can reduce product development cycles, critical for industries like aerospace and defense, where delays can have significant downstream impacts.

Quantum & Spirituality

PD: Quantum physics has also entered mainstream literature recently, largely by way of popular science writers like Carlo Rovelli. Speaking of your Indian heritage, many writers have expounded on the parallels between quantum mechanics and Eastern philosophy. Does spirituality factor into your work in the quantum realm?

AC: That’s a topic that I can go on for hours about. I’m a spiritual person and that’s what keeps me going as a founder. Concepts like quantum superposition (being in multiple states simultaneously) or entanglement (something that happens in one place affecting another) very much resonate with ideas you learn about growing up in Indian society, in an Indian household.

It gives me confidence that perhaps our ancestors were much more advanced than we give them credit for, and that we’re rediscovering some of that knowledge now. But this is a topic for a longer coffee chat!

People I Look Up To

PD: Lastly, who has inspired you most on your journey—an entrepreneur, artist, or influential figure?

AC: Early on, Robin Sharma’s The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari had a big impact on me. It taught me to believe in myself and strive for goals beyond what seems possible. That mindset has shaped much of my journey, including starting BQP.

I’ve also been fortunate to have incredible mentors who inspire me daily. I’m constantly learning from the amazing people I meet, and they drive me to grow as a founder and leader.

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