Aqarios boosts IBM Qiskit library with quantum constraint tool

Aqarios GmbH launched the Constrained Quantum Optimizer for IBM Qiskit, offering a new approach to solving complex planning and scheduling problems, the company says. Built on the company’s FlexQAOA algorithm, the function integrates real-world constraints directly into quantum computations, a departure from penalty-based methods that cannot guarantee valid solutions. “Optimization is one of the most compelling categories of problems for the development of quantum advantage-capable applications,” said Scott Crowder, Vice President, IBM Quantum Adoption and Business Development. Aqarios validated the function on IBM Quantum Heron hardware, achieving optimal or near-optimal solutions on a 144-bit problem with 48 constraints.

Aqarios Integrates FlexQAOA into IBM Qiskit Functions Catalog Aqarios has extended the capabilities of IBM’s Qiskit platform with the launch of the Constrained Quantum Optimizer function, immediately available to users through the Qiskit Functions Catalog as of September 15, 2026. Michael Lachner, CEO of Aqarios, explained, “Most quantum optimization tools still require users to work around their constraints. We build them in natively, and that’s what turns quantum computing into real, usable results for constrained problems.” The function is built upon Aqarios’ existing FlexQAOA algorithm, already deployed for customers utilizing the company’s Luna platform. Aqarios’ integration with Qiskit extends beyond simply offering a new algorithm; it represents a broadening of access to the company’s optimization capabilities. “We’re glad to bring what already runs on our Luna platform directly to IBM Quantum users, via the Qiskit Functions Catalog,” Lachner stated. Luna is a platform designed to route problems to the most suitable solver, classical, AI-based, or quantum, without hardware lock-in, reflecting Aqarios’ commitment to a hybrid approach. Founded in 2021 and now publicly listed on Boerse Duesseldorf following a $140 million SPAC transaction with Fonterelli SPAC 4 AG on July 15, 2026, Aqarios is also a participant in the QuCUN initiative alongside BASF, SAP, and LMU Munich. The company’s commercial partnerships, including joint development work with E.ON for energy transition algorithms and with MTU Aero Engines for aerospace applications, demonstrate a focus on translating quantum potential into practical industrial solutions. Optimization is one of the most compelling categories of problems for the development of quantum advantage-capable applications. Now, through our Qiskit Functions Catalog, users can experiment with Aqarios’ Constrained Quantum Optimizer to push this boundary – and explore trusted results for constrained combinatorial optimization problems. Scott Crowder, Vice President, IBM Quantum Adoption and Business Development Constrained Quantum Optimizer Natively Embeds Real-World Problem Constraints Aqarios has expanded the capabilities of the IBM Qiskit Functions Catalog with a new tool designed to address a critical limitation in quantum optimization: the reliable handling of real-world constraints. Unlike conventional methods that add penalties for violating constraints, the Constrained Quantum Optimizer embeds these rules directly into the quantum circuit, ensuring only valid solutions are considered during computation. This approach bypasses the risk of generating results that, while mathematically optimal, are unusable due to broken constraints, a common issue with penalty-based systems. The function, built upon Aqarios’ FlexQAOA algorithm, tackles optimization problems by representing constraints as inherent properties of the quantum computation itself, according to the company. A practical example lies in logistics, where a delivery operation requires each order to be assigned to precisely one vehicle; the optimizer enforces this “one-hot” constraint by design, preventing the exploration of impossible scenarios and improving hardware efficiency. Aqarios validated this functionality on an IBM Quantum Heron processor, successfully addressing a 144-bit problem incorporating 48 one-hot constraints, demonstrating the function’s ability to deliver high-quality results without the need for manual constraint reformulation. The company also participates in QuCUN, a German federal research initiative on quantum computing user networks, alongside SAP and LMU Munich, further solidifying its position within the growing quantum ecosystem. Aqarios won the Quantum Effects Award 2025 for quantum software and algorithms, recognizing its contributions to the field. Most quantum optimization tools still make you work around your constraints. We build them in natively, and that’s what turns quantum computing into real, usable results for constrained problems. Michael Lachner, CEO, Aqarios Source: https://aqarios.com/aqarios-launches-constrained-quantum-optimizer-ibm-qiskit/ More like thisTechnology NewsStEP programme helps Oxford students launch new venturesTechnology NewsNSF puts $20 million toward turning lab research into real businessesArtificial IntelligenceOpenAI now builds safety cases before running powerful AI testsArtificial IntelligenceMoonshot and DeepSeek allegedly passed user questions to Anthropic’s ClaudeStay currentSee today’s quantum computing news on Quantum Zeitgeist for the latest breakthroughs in qubits, hardware, algorithms, and industry deals. Tags: