Amir Shehata, Oak Ridge National Lab
This interview examines integration of quantum processors with high performance computing, HPC, focusing on middleware, workflows and system challenges. Amir Shehata of Oak Ridge National Laboratory explains middleware design, cross-stack coordination and approaches to hybrid quantum-classical applications. Shehata discusses the OpenQSE initiative, handling diverse qubit modalities, timing and latency constraints and the role of the Lustre file system in data workflows and they emphasize the importance of preparing software teams for integration now rather than waiting. Key takeaways: Shehata identifies robust error correction as the pivotal milestone toward useful quantum advantage. They highlight OpenQSE's effort to define interoperable specifications, the need for middleware that supports varying hardware timing and the likely role of Lustre and classical telemetry for syndrome data and artificial intelligence, AI driven error-correction workflows. Recorded as part of theCUBE's World Quantum Day coverage and presented by Hewlett Packard Enterprise