Noki Bell Labs Prize for Processor Solving Optimization Problems

Note that the method combines quantum and classical methods in processors to solve discrete optimization problems.  These kinds of problems can be computationally very difficult and are commonly encountered.

"...Nokia Bell Labs Prize awarded to new processor technology pioneered by student and professor team from University of California at Berkeley
Press Release Nokia Bell Labs Prize awarded to new processor technology pioneered by student and professor team from University of California at Berkeley 6 December 2019 Murray Hill, New Jersey 

– Nokia today announced this year’s winners:

Nokia Bell Labs Prize awarded to new processor technology pioneered by student and professor team from University of California at Berkeley
 6 December 2019

Murray Hill, New Jersey – Nokia today announced this year’s Nokia Bell Labs Prize, the global competition to recognize game-changing innovations that attracted more than 250 applications from 31 countries around the world.  The 2019 prize has been awarded to a student and Professor team from the University of California at Berkeley. PhD student Tianshi Wang and Professor Jaijeet Roychowdhury received $100,000 for winning the competition, and the opportunity to pursue an expanded collaboration with Nokia Bell Labs.

The pair won the prize for their work on “A Classic Spin on Quantum Computing." Their innovation is in a new type of processor element that will be significantly more efficient in computing the answers to discrete optimization problems. Their innovation will complement conventional digital processors (CPUs and GPUs) by efficiently tackling a wide range of computationally hard problems of importance in many diverse areas, including 5G communication systems; complex tasks in planning, scheduling and control; and even the discovery of new drugs.  .... "