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Simulations Show Improved Efficiency of Production Lifecycle

BOSTON, May 04, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Zapata Computing, the software company building solutions to enterprises most computationally complex problems, today announced the publication of a joint paper detailing work done with BMW as part of their membership in MITs The Center for Quantum Engineering (CQE). The collaboration uncovered new methods to optimize vehicle production using quantum-inspired generative AI techniques. Zapata and BMWs membership in the CQE Consortium is in part to support the work of MIT students and researchers. For this project, the parties have developed and tested simulations that show how Zapatas Generator-Enhanced Optimization (GEO) technique can quickly and efficiently optimize BMWs complex vehicle production schedule across multiple plants. In many cases, GEO outperformed state-of-the-art solvers in minimizing assembly line idle time while maintaining monthly vehicle production targets. This work was done on Zapatas Orquestra software platform.

"The problem that BMW presented to our team is an excellent quantum computing use case that addresses an incredibly complex, real-world challenge of commercial interest," said Dr. William D. Oliver, Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and of Physics at MIT, and Director of The Center for Quantum Engineering. "Thats precisely why we created our Quantum Science and Engineering Consortium (QSEC) - connecting the best and brightest from the academic landscape with industry partners to solve real-world problems."

"At BMW, were always looking for new, innovative ways to drive operational efficiency at our manufacturing plants," said Marcin Ziolkowski, Emerging Technologies Manager at BMW Group. "As you might imagine, optimizing our production schedule is an incredibly complex and unique challenge. There are a wide range of possible configurations and a high number of constraints, including varying production rates between shops, a discrete set of shift schedules, and the need to prevent overflows and shortages in the buffers between steps in the manufacturing process. This initiative aligns perfectly with MITs broader research and educational mission. Working with Zapata and CQE, we were able to prove that GEO outperforms other techniques in production planning."

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"We ran roughly a million optimization runs cycling through dozens of various algorithms, problem configurations and optimizer solutions to benchmark their performance against each other," said Yudong Cao, CTO and co-founder at Zapata Computing. "GEO uses quantum or quantum-inspired generative machine learning models to learn from and improve upon the results generated by classical solvers. As we worked on new ways to address this challenge, we kept MITs mission front-of-mind ensuring that we were helping to advance knowledge and educate students in science, technology, and other areas of scholarship that will best serve the nation and the world in the 21st century."

For more information about Zapata Computing and its collaboration with BMW and The Center for Quantum Engineering, please visit http://www.zapatacomputing.com/publications/quantum-inspired-optimization-for-industrial-scale-problems

About Zapata Computing

Zapata Computing, Inc. builds solutions to enterprises most computationally complex problems. It has pioneered proprietary methods in generative AI, machine learning, and quantum techniques that run on classical hardware (CPUs, GPUs). Zapatas Orquestra platform supports the development and deployment of better, faster, more cost-effective modelsfor example, Large Language Models, Monte Carlo simulations, and other computationally intense solutions. Zapata was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. For more information, visit http://www.zapatacomputing.com.

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Theres a Mad Race Right Now: : Joe Rogan Claims $3117 Billion Tech Giants and China Are in a Battle for Technical Superiority  EssentiallySports

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The thought experiment of Schrdingers Cat goes like this: place a cat, a radioactive atom, and a vial of poison in a box and close the lid. At some point, that atom will decay, triggering a mechanism that breaks the vial of poison and kills the cat. Because you dont know when that atom will decay, at any given moment the vial could be broken or whole and the cat could be alive or dead. Soin a wayuntil you open the box, the cat is both alive and dead at the same time.

Now, obviously, a cat cannot be both alive and dead. A living creature cant exist in two states at once like that. But quantum particles play by different rules than cats, and if youre dealing with a small enough object under special conditions, it really can exist in two states at the same time. Not in a we-dont-know-the-state way like the cat, but in an it-really-is-in-two-states-at-the-same-time way.

This mind-bending ability to be in two states at the same time is called superposition, and its not entirely uncommon in the quantum world. What is uncommon, though, is something of any substantial size being able to maintain a superposition state. And thats exactly what a team of researchers from ETH Zurich managed to achievethe fattest quantum cat to date. The researchers recently published their results in the journal Science.

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The team didnt quite get to cat size, or cat biology. Of course, in the lab we cant realize such an experiment with an actual cat weighing several kilograms, Yiwen Chu, the lead researcher on the project, said in a press release. But they did hit 16 micrograms. That might not sound like a lot, but considering most quantum cats are the size of a single atoms or molecules, its comparatively substantial.

The experiments contained three components: the cat, a qubit (the quantum equivalent of a bit found in any standard computer), and a material connecting the two. The cat was made from something called an oscillating crystal, which is a crystal that can shift back and forth between two states, changing shape as it goes.

The qubit is where the superposition comes into play. Unlike a standard binary bit that can only be in one state at a timeon or off, 1 or 0a qubit can be in a combination of those two states1 and 0at the same time, achieving superposition. It also produces an electric field.

Finally, a material that generates a separate electric field when the oscillating crystal changes shape connects the cat to the qubit. When the electric field from the connecting material interacts with the qubit, it is able to transfer the superposition 1-and-0-at-the-same-time state back to the cat, placing it in a true state of being alive and dead at the same time. Once the team was able to verify that the cat was in both states at once, and that alive and dead were noticeably different states, they were able to declare success.

The whole point of this experiment, pushing the boundaries of quantum cat size, is to try and understand why it is that we lose the ability to be in two states at once when we hit a certain size. This is interesting because it will allow us to better understand the reason behind the disappearance of quantum effects in the macroscopic world of real cats, Chu said in a news release. The research also has implications for how to make more reliable qubits for future forays into quantum computingones that dont hinge entirely on single atoms or molecules.

Maybe someday well know why real cats dont behave the same way as quantum ones, but until then, it will remain just another mystery of the quantum realm.

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Jackie is a writer and editor from Pennsylvania. She's especially fond of writing about space and physics, and loves sharing the weird wonders of the universe with anyone who wants to listen. She is supervised in her home office by her two cats.

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Conjuring water from thin air may seem like a trick, but a team of University of Marylandresearchers doesnt use a magic wand. In fact, the group doesnt even need electricity.

The teams inventiona solar-powered system which uses all-natural, partly plant-based materials to extract drinkable water from even the most arid of environmentshas the potential to fight water shortages around the world, and took top prize yesterday in the universitys annual Invention of the Year competition.

Along with other category winners, the award was announced at Innovate Maryland, a yearly celebration of UMD researchers creativity at translating incisive science into innovative, real-world products with the potential to address challenges around the globe.

They provide proof that the search for knowledge can spark an idea or invention that, in turn, can inspire change, improve lives and benefit humanity overall, Vice President for Research Gregory F. Ball said of this years 12 finalists. I firmly believe that no grand challenge is too daunting for our world-class researchers to confront head-on and work toward a solution.

In his remarks, President Darryll J. Pines emphasized the importance of resolve and perseverance in the pursuit of innovation.

It is risky and challenging and time-consuming, he said. But as your peers in these examples show, the potential rewards are limitless. Your inventions, your research and your ideas canand willchange the world. By harnessing the creativity and determination in this room, we can truly address the grand challenges of our time and make a better world for everyone.

Here are this years winners:

Overall/Physical Sciences Invention of the Year: Eco-Friendly Composite-Based Water Harvesting System From Air

As a result of growing populations, climate change, poor water management and geopolitical conflict, an estimated 87 countries will be in a state of water scarcity by 2050. While the technology exists to extract potable water from the atmosphere, current processes are not only expensive but energy-intensiveitself an environmental concern.

The A. James Clark School of Engineering researchersmechanical engineering Professor Teng Li, postdoctoral researcher Bo Chen and former Ph.D. student Shuangshuang Jinghave invented a low-cost, sustainable atmospheric water harvesting system that can be manufactured and set up nearly anywhere on Earth without need for electricity or complex process control. The technology is based on an all-natural, eco-friendly biomass-based composite that can pull water from air anywhere on the planet, including arid environments, powered solely by sunlight. The composite, a foam made of Earth-abundant cellulose and graphite, can absorb over 670% of its weight in water from the air with 90% relative humidity and quickly release 95% of absorbed water under sunlight irradiation in one hour.

Water is vital for life, yet about 10% of the world population lacks access to it, said Professor Teng Li. The atmosphere is a ubiquitous and abundant water reservoir, equivalent to 10% of the freshwater in all lakes on Earth. Our system makes use of that reservoir in a manner that is both efficient and sustainable.

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WISeKeys Semiconductors Subsidiary SEALSQ Technology and Services Provide Countries the Ability to Develop Their Own Semiconductor Personalization Centers

GENEVA May 4, 2023: WISeKey International Holding Ltd. (WISeKey) (SIX: WIHN, NASDAQ: WKEY), aleading global cybersecurity, AI, Blockchain, and semiconductors company, today announced that its wholly-owned subsidiarySEALSQCorp(SEALSQ) is offering countries via a PPP the technology and services the ability to develop their own semiconductors personalization centers. The objective of this initiative is to reduce dependency on semiconductors manufacturing and deployment of microchips.With the ongoing global shortage of semiconductors, countries around the world are realizing the importance of securing their supply chains for critical technologies. In response to this need, WISeKey via SEALSQ.com is offering a comprehensive solution that will enable countries to establish their own semiconductor personalization centers via a Public Private Partnership. These centers will provide local production and customization of SEALSQ microchips, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers and enhancing supply chain security."We are excited to offer this solution to countries looking to reduce their dependency on foreign semiconductor manufacturers via SEALSQ.com," said Carlos Moreira, CEO of WISeKey. "By establishing their own semiconductor personalization centers, countries can take control of their supply chains and ensure the security and reliability of their critical technologies."WISeKey via SEALSQ's solution includes a range of services and technology, including secure elements, root of trust, cryptographic keys, and hardware security modules. The company will provide the necessary hardware, software, and training to establish and operate the personalization centers, as well as ongoing support and maintenance.The solution is particularly relevant for industries such as automotive, aerospace, and health, where the need for secure and reliable microchips is critical. By establishing local personalization centers, countries can ensure that their industries have access to the necessary microchips, even during times of global shortage. The establishment of personalization centers will also create jobs and boost local economies. This initiative will not only enhance supply chain security, but also contribute to the economic development of participating countries.WISeKey via SEALSQ is currently in discussions with several countries regarding the establishment of semiconductor personalization centers. The company is committed to providing a comprehensive solution that meets the unique needs of each country. Earlier this year, WISeKey via SEALSQ started offering its Security Services and Semiconductors to IoT device manufacturers adopting Matter Protocol, the leading standard for smart home devices from the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA). WISeKeys Root Certificate Authority (CA) has been approved by the CSA for Matter device attestation and becomes a Product Attestation Authority (PAA).Matter, an industry-led effort of the CSA, brings together the world's leading manufacturers and service providers to achieve secure, reliable and seamless use of smart home devices. Matter enables IP-based networking and communication across smart home devices, mobile applications and smart home ecosystems. Matter devices offer consumers assurances of secure use through a consortium-led standard for authenticating device identity that only allows Matter-certified devices to connect to the network. Device attestation process allows existing Matter devices to locally confirm new ones when recognized by the local network, and quickly remove non-compliant devices when needed.

With the widespread adoption of Matter certification, the demand for semiconductors is expected to increase. This is because smart home devices require a range of semiconductors, including microcontrollers, sensors, and wireless communication chips. The implementation of Matter certification will lead to the development of more smart home devices, which will require the production and deployment of more semiconductors. Furthermore, as the smart home market continues to grow, the demand for semiconductors will increase. The global smart home market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 29.3% from 2020 to 2027, according to a report by Allied Market Research. This growth is driven by factors such as the increasing adoption of smart home devices, the rise in demand for energy-efficient devices, and the growing awareness of home security and safety.

SEALSQ is also making great progress on post quantum technology. The SEALSQ Post-Quantum engineering team has been able to carry both Kyber and Dilithium CRYSTAL quantum-resistant NIST selected algorithms and the appropriate APIs on the MS6003, a WISeKey Common Criteria EAL5+ Certified secure hardware platform powered by an ARMSC300 core and featuring an USB interface, thus creating the first Quantum-Resistant USB Token demonstrator. This demonstrator marks a substantial milestone for the QUASARS project and takes the team one step closer to achieving their goal of building a Post-Quantum Hardware Security Module and Root-of-Trust.

WISeKey, through SEALSQ, has taken affirmative steps to implement its QUASARS project. The QUASARS project, is a radically innovative solution, based upon the new WISeKey Secure RISC V platform that is paving the way for the Post Quantum Cryptography era, offering hybrid solutions compliant with ANSSIs (Agence nationale de la scurit des systmes dinformation, the National Cybersecurity Agency of France) recommendations. Of note, SEALSQ has received strong support from the French SCS (Secured Communicating Solutions) Cluster for its QUASARS project.

Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) refers to cryptographic methods that are secure against an attack by a quantum computer. As quantum computers become more powerful, they may be able to break many of the cryptographic methods that are currently used to protect sensitive information, such as RSA and Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC). PQC aims to develop new cryptographic methods that are secure against quantum attacks.

One example of a Post-Quantum technology is the lattice-based cryptography, a type of public-key cryptography based on the hardness of a mathematical problem called the Shortest Vector Problem (SVP) which is thought to be too difficult for a quantum computer to solve. Lattice-based cryptography can be used for tasks such as digital signatures, key exchange, and encryption.

Another example is code-based cryptography, which is based on the difficulty of decoding certain algebraic structures called error-correcting codes. These codes can be used to create digital signatures, key exchange, and encryption schemes that are secure against quantum attacks. It is worth noting that PQC is still in its early stages of development and there is ongoing research to identify and improve the most promising post-quantum techniques.

WISeKey is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NCCoE) project, a new secure platform, that will help define best practices for performing trusted network-layer onboarding, and aid in the implementation and use of trusted onboarding solutions for IoT devices at scale.

Additional information on this consortium can be found at:http://www.nccoe.nist.gov/projects/trusted-iot-device-network-layer-onboarding-and-lifecycle-management.

About SEALSQ

SEALSQ is a wholly owned subsidiary of the WISeKey Group that focuses on developing and selling Semiconductors, PKI and Post-Quantum technology hardware and software products. Our Post-Quantum solutions include Post-Quantum microchips and devices that can be used in a variety of applications, from Multi-Factor Authentication devices, Home Automation, and IT Network Infrastructure, to Automotive, Industrial Automation and Control Systems.

Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) refers to cryptographic methods that are secure against an attack by a quantum computer. As quantum computers become more powerful, they may be able to break many of the cryptographic methods that are currently used to protect sensitive information, such as RSA and Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC). PQC aims to develop new cryptographic methods that are secure against quantum attacks. For more information, visitwww.sealsq.com.

About WISeKey

WISeKey (NASDAQ: WKEY; SIX Swiss Exchange: WIHN) is a leading global cybersecurity company currently deploying large scale digital identity ecosystems for people and objects using Blockchain, AI and IoT respecting the Human as the Fulcrum of the Internet. WISeKey microprocessors secure the pervasive computing shaping todays Internet of Everything. WISeKey IoT has an install base of over 1.5 billion microchips in virtually all IoT sectors (connected cars, smart cities, drones, agricultural sensors, anti-counterfeiting, smart lighting, servers, computers, mobile phones, crypto tokens etc.). WISeKey is uniquely positioned to be at the edge of IoT as our semiconductors produce a huge amount of Big Data that, when analyzed with Artificial Intelligence (AI), can help industrial applications to predict the failure of their equipment before it happens.

Our technology is Trusted by the OISTE/WISeKeys Swiss based cryptographic Root of Trust (RoT) provides secure authentication and identification, in both physical and virtual environments, for the Internet of Things, Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence. The WISeKey RoT serves as a common trust anchor to ensure the integrity of online transactions among objects and between objects and people. For more information, visitwww.wisekey.com.

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Disclaimer:This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning WISeKey International Holding Ltd and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of WISeKey International Holding Ltd to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. WISeKey International Holding Ltd is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and it does not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of article 652a or article 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations or a listing prospectus within the meaning of the listing rules of the SIX Swiss Exchange. Investors must rely on their own evaluation of WISeKey and its securities, including the merits and risks involved. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of WISeKey.

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