Valtteri Lahtinen, DSc (Tech.) and co-founder and chief scientist of the startup Quanscient, has joined LUT as a part-time industry professor of quantum computing. Lahtinen has a research background in computational physics, applied mathematics, and quantum computing.
“I’m bringing to LUT concrete experience in growing a science-based company and securing funding,” Lahtinen says.
Quantum computing changes the fundamental principles of computation
Quantum computing is a relatively new way of thinking about computation. It's not simply a matter of increased processing power – it represents a different approach to how calculations are performed. According to Lahtinen, it enables solving certain problems that are currently beyond the reach of conventional computers.
“This is a critical area of research. The rapid advancement of quantum computers marks a shift from theoretical research toward practical application. Quantum computing will transform the way scientific computation and simulation are done.”
Lahtinen considers it important for both industry and research to prepare for the impact of quantum computing. A technological head start is difficult to recover once lost.
Quantum computing from health technology to aviation
Quantum computing is utilised particularly in fields that require extreme computational power to simulate complex systems, such as energy technology, biotechnology, health technology, and physics modelling.
Lahtinen points out aircraft design and the modelling of turbulent airflows as a concrete example.
“With today’s supercomputers, the accurate aerodynamic simulation of an entire aircraft is either too slow or requires dramatic simplifications. Quantum computing makes it possible to model these physical phenomena with unprecedented precision. This leads to more energy-efficient aircraft, faster product development, and savings on expensive resources like wind-tunnel testing,” Lahtinen describes.
The department aims to become a sought-after partner in applied quantum computing
Lahtinen works at LUT's Department of Computational Engineering. His role is at the intersection of academic research and industrial application.
“My job is to get quantum computing research and teaching off the ground at LUT. I want to establish the Department of Computational Engineering as a go-to research partner in applied quantum computing within the field of scientific computing. I also hope to mentor early-stage startup teams and help them move research ideas toward commercial success,” Lahtinen states.
Lahtinen is also involved in developing a new master's-level course, applying for research funding, and supervising master’s theses and doctoral dissertations.
“What I’m most looking forward to is training top talent in scientific computing – graduates who are already fluent in the tools of quantum computing.”
Lahtinen lives in the Tampere area and visits LUT's campuses regularly.
“I find being physically present is especially important for mentoring students and launching new research initiatives,” Lahtinen concludes.
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