The Hartree Centre drives UK productivity by bringing high-performance computing, artificial intelligence and quantum techniques to industry and public services. Its mission is to translate advanced research into practical solutions that help businesses and institutions modernize workflows and compete globally.
Pioneering Hybrid Quantum-Classical Solutions
The Centre focuses on making organisations “quantum ready” by blending quantum processors with established HPC systems. In collaboration with IBM and the National Physical Laboratory, Hartree has developed hybrid quantum-classical workflows for materials simulation. These workflows use classical supercomputing to prepare and compress quantum states, which lowers the quantum circuit depth and the number of qubits required. The result is more complex, chemically relevant simulations that are feasible on near-term hardware. Industrial pilots illustrate this approach: work with energy firm E.ON explored quantum methods for optimizing distribution networks, showing how hybrid pipelines can seed practical, near-term advantages while full-scale quantum advantage remains an objective.
Accelerating AI for Real-World Impact
Hartree applies AI to operational problems across sectors. Projects include machine learning models to improve NHS staff scheduling at Alder Hey and Swansea University’s Helios framework, which shortens the discovery cycle for next-generation solar cells. Supporting these efforts is the Mary Coombs supercomputer, a GPU-first system tailored for model training, large-scale data processing and rapid inference. Mary Coombs allows researchers and industry partners to run production-level AI workloads and prototype workflows that later integrate with quantum components.
Future-Proofing UK Industry
Bridging the gap between lab research and commercial deployment, the Hartree Centre reduces cost and knowledge barriers through access, training and co-development programmes. By providing infrastructure, partnerships and practical pilots, it helps organisations plan for a future where HPC, AI and quantum technologies complement each other. The Centre also advocates for responsible AI practices and alignment with the UK’s broader quantum strategy, positioning industry to adopt new tools ethically and with measurable economic benefit.
