For Immediate Release

Washington DC, USA: In a landmark development for quantum computing, Seoul-based Norma has achieved a stunning breakthrough. Its proprietary quantum AI algorithms, when run on NVIDIA’s CUDA-Q platform, demonstrated up to 73× faster performance in drug discovery tasks compared to traditional CPU-based quantum simulators.

Why This Matters

Drug development, already a resource-intensive and time-consuming process, relies heavily on navigating a vast chemical search space. Conventional AI and simulation approaches often hit computational bottlenecks. Norma tackled this head-on by deploying algorithms like QLSTM, QGAN, and QCBM—quantum-enhanced models for sequence learning and generative design—within the CUDA-Q environment. The result was a dramatic acceleration in both forward and backward propagation within 18-qubit quantum circuits, paving the way for faster and more efficient drug discovery pipelines.

Benchmark Breakdown

The results speak volumes:

• Forward propagation (execution and measurement): 60× to 73× faster than CPU-based simulators

• Backward propagation (loss-function correction): 34× to 42× faster

Norma also compared NVIDIA’s H200 GPUs with the newer GH200 Grace Hopper superchips. The GH200 achieved an additional 22% faster forward propagation and 24% faster backward propagation, highlighting the impact of cutting-edge GPU hardware on quantum AI workloads.

What Is CUDA-Q and Why It’s Game-Changing

CUDA-Q is NVIDIA’s platform designed to seamlessly integrate traditional GPUs and quantum processing units (QPUs). It enables powerful quantum-classical hybrid computing, allowing researchers to prototype and validate algorithms with high fidelity before deploying them on physical quantum hardware. This hybrid approach removes major cost and time barriers, letting innovators focus on breakthroughs rather than waiting for scarce quantum machines.

Strategic Collaboration in Action

Norma did not accomplish this feat alone. The company partnered with Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, applying these accelerated quantum AI algorithms to real-world drug-discovery challenges. This collaboration showcases how academic, medical, and technological expertise can merge to deliver tangible results, bridging the gap between theoretical research and applied healthcare innovation.

Beyond Pharma: Toward Cross-Industry Quantum AI

While drug development is the immediate focus, Norma’s roadmap extends further. The company plans to apply CUDA-Q–powered algorithms to sectors like defense, finance, and logistics, where rapid optimization and complex problem solving are critical. From accelerating material science research to optimizing financial risk models, quantum-classical hybrid computing holds immense potential.

CEO Perspective

Norma’s CEO, Hyunchul Jung, emphasized that this project is not just about technical benchmarks but about global collaboration and cross-industry impact. By working with NVIDIA and medical institutions, Norma is creating a foundation for applying quantum AI solutions in healthcare and beyond. He stressed that expanding validation across multiple sectors will be key to unlocking the full promise of quantum computing.

Why It’s a Big Deal

1. Dramatic Speed Gains – Up to 73× acceleration shortens iteration cycles in R&D, bringing discoveries to market faster.

2. Cost & Time Efficiency – Hybrid validation reduces reliance on limited quantum hardware, making innovation more accessible.

3. Real-World Validation – Tested in a healthcare setting, this achievement proves practical applicability, not just theory.

4. Scalable Future – From pharmaceuticals to finance, many industries stand to benefit from similar performance leaps.

Looking Ahead

Norma’s CUDA-Q achievement marks a pivotal moment in the journey toward quantum-accelerated AI. It demonstrates not only the raw performance potential of hybrid platforms but also their readiness for high-stakes, real-world applications.

As next-generation GPUs like the Grace Hopper superchips become more widespread, and as platforms like CUDA-Q evolve, we are likely witnessing the dawn of a quantum-classical era in AI. Norma’s success signals what’s possible when cutting-edge hardware meets innovative algorithms: breakthroughs that could reshape industries, redefine R&D cycles, and accelerate discovery across fields.

✨ The convergence of quantum computing and AI is no longer a distant vision—it’s happening now, and Norma is at the forefront of that transformation.