POLARISqb, a Durham based startup is a company that utilizes cutting edge computing to power computational chemistry simulations, developing quantum and near quantum software that cuts drug development timelines by more than half. However, recent events on the global stage got the company thinking about other ways that its algorithms could be used, and this week has announced the creation of the POLARISqb Maritime Division. This unique endeavor from the company intends to make waves in the business of dredging, salvage, and recovery consulting, providing services to companies around the globe. They intend to be three sheets to the wind in the expansion of their client base.
The company did not waste time in seeking out a Chief Nautical Officer, and
POLARISqb Chief Nautical Officer Shil Bippman
clearly like the cut of industry veteran Shil Bippman’s jib, who has always been known to run a tight ship. “Everyone has been aware for a long time that next to chemistry, materials science is one of the most quantum applicable fields of study at present” said Bippman, “when we did the math, both literally and figuratively, doing this kept us on the right tack.” Bippman went on to explain the ways that quantum thermodynamics and hydrodynamics could easily be simulated using the latest quantum annealing computers and algorithms very similar to the ones the company had already been developing. By changing a few variables and rerouting the power coupling using a fairly experimental capacitor from Emmett Brown Quantum called simply the “Flux,” the company was able to simulate complex interactions between multiple boats and impediments such as sediment and sludge buildup in a canal, or old timey pirates.
“Sand moves in fairly predictable ways, but when you introduce water, currents, multiple tugboats, and a line of ships 500 miles long waiting to pass, a lot of variables come into play.” Bippman explained. “It is thrilling to be able to toe the line of what is possible with vanguard of modern computing to negotiate what path for the dredger is going to get everything back hunky dory, and how multiple boats can maneuver in concert to solve multimillion dollar problems.”
When asked about recent events in the Suez canal, and whether or not their software had been used to help free the marooned ship that was blocking the important trading route, Bippman was taken aback, stating, “Oh I do not know much about that situation, was it a dredging and tugboat issue as well? Well I certainly would not comment on our work with any clientele that had made it explicitly clear that we were not, under any circumstances, to discuss the details of our partnership with their organization. Certainly not. No.” If they were instrumental in solving that crisis, it is clear that someone has asked them to batten down the hatches and not rock the boat. However if it was POLARISqb that got that situation shipshape and Bristol fashion, expect them to be all hands on deck with this new venture, as they will have sailors storming the gangways to work with them.
