Pasqal is partnering with USA Rare Earth and Riven Systems to explore how quantum computing, artificial intelligence and rapid chemical testing can improve the separation and processing of rare earth elements.
Because rare earth elements generally aren't sitting underground by themselves, and are mixed with other minerals, chemically separating them can be a complicated process.
"For every ton of rock that I put in, I want to get certain amounts of rare earth elements.
"I would say as a comparison, quantum computing is only a few years behind," he added.
"Please don't think of quantum computing as something that might be in the future.