Quantum Engineering Internship for CFD Applications

Internship Overview

NEEXT has entered into an innovative and sovereign partnership with two French deeptech startups: Quobly, a pioneer in silicon-based quantum computing processors, and ColibriTD, a developer of quantum algorithms and platforms. The goal is to evaluate the contribution of quantum computing to scientific calculations, specifically in computational fluid dynamics (CFD). To support this collaboration, the partners have selected a use case from NEEXT’s R&D work. Within the Scientific Division, your mission will be to implement this project based on an already identified use case.

About Us

NEEXT is a French startup committed to reindustrialization. We design a new generation of energy systems that simultaneously reduce the carbon footprint of heat and electricity production while improving the profitability of installations. As part of our SPARTA R&D program, we develop cutting-edge digital modeling and simulation tools and are already exploring tomorrow’s computing technologies.

Responsibilities

As part of this internship, you will serve as the technical interface between NEEXT, Quobly, and ColibriTD to successfully execute the selected use case. Your main responsibilities will include:

• Conducting a state-of-the-art review of quantum and hybrid quantum-classical algorithms applied to solving partial differential equations (PDEs) and CFD (e.g., HHL, VQA/VQLS, quantum Lattice Boltzmann).
• Implementing the use case on ColibriTD’s quantum platform Quick and universal PDE quantum solver, first on an emulator and then on quantum hardware provided by Quobly.
• Comparing results with classical CFD simulations (accuracy, convergence, computation time) and estimating, with partners, the quantum resources required for scaling (number of qubits, circuit depth).
• Documenting the work, contributing to the assessment of quantum solution maturity, and presenting results to project partners.

Required Profile

• Engineering student or Master’s degree (M2) candidate.
• Specialization in applied mathematics, physics, quantum computing, fluid mechanics, or numerical simulation.
• Strong programming skills (Python, C++, etc.); prior experience with a quantum framework (Qiskit, PennyLane, Cirq, myQLM, etc.) would be a plus.
• Knowledge of numerical analysis, PDE solving, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD).
• Scientific curiosity, autonomy, rigor, and a passion for teamwork in a deeptech environment.

Terms

• Location: Belfort, France
• Duration: 4 to 8 months
• Compensation: Equivalent to net French minimum wage (SMIC)