Fujitsu and TC3 Promote Quantum Inspired Digital Annealer Next-Generation Architecture in Topcoder Contest

Fujitsu Limited and TC3 K.K., a Japanese provider of services that utilizes Topcoder⁽¹⁾, a developer and data scientist community with over 1.38 million registered members, today announced a contest that will enable members to access, develop, and build solutions using Fujitsu's quantum-inspired Digital Annealer, to solve a complex combinatorial optimization problem currently unsolvable by conventional computers in practical timeframe. Through this contest, to be held from February to March 2019, Fujitsu and TC3 aim to further increase Digital Annealer technology adoption, leveraging Topcoder as a collaborative platform for solving an array of challenging problems, and spearheading cutting-edge technology originating from Japan.

Background

Countless real-world problems exist in fields like healthcare, finance, logistics, manufacturing and automotive that current computing technology cannot solve within a practical timeframe or using classical computers /methods. These include challenges surrounding complex decision-making, until now performed by humans, and the selection of optimal solutions based on innumerable input data. To solve these kinds of problems, Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd. developed a quantum-inspired technology, the Digital Annealer and subsequently launched the solution on cloud service in May 2018. The Digital Annealer boasts a unique computer architecture that uses conventional semiconductor technology to quickly solve real-world combinatorial optimization problems.

Topcoder is one of the world's largest communities of skilled technologists with a passion for cutting-edge technology in the fields of algorithm software development and UI/UX design, and is operated by Wipro Limited, a global leader in IT, consulting, and business process services. Many members are engineers who have world-class skills in the latest technologies, particularly in algorithm development and enhancement. Numerous global corporations and government organizations utilize Topcoder to popularize state-of-the-art technology, train developers, and collaborate as partners to solve complex problems. In Japan, TC3 offers sourcing services featuring the latest skills by utilizing Topcoder contests.

With this contest, Fujitsu and TC3 aim to popularize and promote the Digital Annealer and test the collaborative effect of Topcoder in solving challenging problems.

Contest Overview

In February 2019, Topcoder members can participate in a preliminary contest to learn how to use the Digital Annealer through hands-on experience. In the main contest, participants will then work to solve a specific problem using the Digital Annealer. The competition's evaluative criteria will be based on calculation speed and the quality of solutions. By registering as a Topcoder member, anyone can participate in this contest from anywhere in the world.

Going forward, Fujitsu and TC3 aim to spearhead the deployment of cutting-edge technology from Japan by utilizing sourcing services based on top-tier skills through collaboration between Fujitsu's cutting-edge technology and, through TC3, Topcoder, verifying its effectiveness as a collaborative platform for solving challenging problems.