2023 Quantum Open Source Survey

We are excited to share the results for the 2023 Quantum Open Source Survey organized by Unitary Fund. The purpose of this survey is to gather a dataset that is inclusive and representative of current and prospective open-source software (OSS) coders, for and with quantum technologies (QT) in order to better serve users of the quantum computing ecosystem.

Having a better understanding of the needs and backgrounds of the quantum computing community can help stakeholders improve their products/services/events to better accommodate users. Collectively, 798 responses were provided by a global community.

Read the blog post for an analysis of the results.

Here are the results, divided into the sections below:

• Demographics
• Experience
• Cloud services
• Full-stack development platforms and simulators
• Software for applications and tools
• User experience
• Open Source Software (OSS) Development & Research
• Community

Demographics

1) Roles

Which of the following statements describe your role? Please check all that apply.

Total answers: 636

h_barchart(
  data.replies_clean[0],
  {
    x: (d) => d.all_ratio,    
    y: (d) => d.short_label,   
    width: width,
    questionN: 1,
    nAnswers: []
  }
)

2) Background

Which of the following statements best describe your background?

Total answers: 633

h_barchart(
  data.replies_clean[1],
  {
    x: (d) => d.all_ratio, 
    y: (d) => d.short_label,    
    width: width,   
    questionN: 2,
    nAnswers: []
  }
)

2b) Combination of role and background

heatmap(
 roles_background, 
  {
    xName: "background",    
    yName: "role",  
    fillName: "n",
    width: width
  }
)

3) Main reason for involvement in quantum technologies

Which of the following statements best describe your main reason for your involvement in quantum technologies?

Total answers: 634

h_barchart(
  data.replies_clean[2],
  {
    x: (d) => d.all_ratio,  
    y: (d) => d.short_label,    
    width: width,     
    questionN: 3,
    nAnswers: []
  }
)

4) Affiliation in quantum technology

Which of the following options represent the type of organization(s) you are affiliated with? Please check all that apply.

Total answers: 634

h_barchart(
  data.replies_clean[3],
  {
    x: (d) => d.all_ratio,   
    y: (d) => d.short_label, 
    width: width,
    questionN: 4,
    nAnswers: []
  }
)

5) Affiliated organization size in terms of employee number

Approximately how many people are employed by the organization you are currently affiliated with?

h_barchart(
  data.replies_clean[4],
  {
    x: (d) => d.all_ratio,     
    xFilter1_1: (d) => d.researcher_ratio,     
    xFilter1_2: (d) => d.software_developer_ratio,     
    xFilter1_3: (d) => d.student_ratio,     
    xFilter1_4: (d) => d.other_role_ratio,
    xFilter2_1: (d) => d.academic_institution_ratio,     
    xFilter2_2: (d) => d.enterprise_organization_ratio,     
    xFilter2_3: (d) => d.startup_ratio,     
    xFilter2_4: (d) => d.other_affiliation_ratio,
    y: (d) => d.short_label,     
    filterLabels1: ["All", "Researcher","Software Developer","Student","Other Role"],
    filterLabels2: ["Academic Institution", "Enterprise Organization", "Startup", "Other Organizazion Type"],
    filters: true,
    nAnswers: [data.n_replies[4].all[0], data.n_replies[4].researcher[0], data.n_replies[4].software_developer[0],             data.n_replies[4].student[0], data.n_replies[4].other_role[0], data.n_replies[4].academic_institution[0], data.n_replies[4].enterprise_organization[0], data.n_replies[4].startup[0], data.n_replies[4].other_affiliation[0] ],
    width: width,     
    questionN: 5
  }
)

6) Paid for working with quantum technology

Do you get paid for working with Quantum Technology?

h_barchart(
  data.replies_clean[5],
  {
    x: (d) => d.all_ratio,     
    xFilter1_1: (d) => d.researcher_ratio,     
    xFilter1_2: (d) => d.software_developer_ratio,     
    xFilter1_3: (d) => d.student_ratio,     
    xFilter1_4: (d) => d.other_role_ratio,
    xFilter2_1: (d) => d.academic_institution_ratio,     
    xFilter2_2: (d) => d.enterprise_organization_ratio,     
    xFilter2_3: (d) => d.startup_ratio,     
    xFilter2_4: (d) => d.other_affiliation_ratio,
    y: (d) => d.short_label,     
    filterLabels1: ["All", "Researcher","Software Developer","Student","Other Role"],
    filterLabels2: ["Academic Institution", "Enterprise Organization", "Startup", "Other Organizazion Type"],
    filters: true,
    width: width,        
    questionN: 6,
    nAnswers: [data.n_replies[5].all[0], data.n_replies[5].researcher[0], data.n_replies[5].software_developer[0],             data.n_replies[5].student[0], data.n_replies[5].other_role[0], data.n_replies[5].academic_institution[0], data.n_replies[5].enterprise_organization[0], data.n_replies[5].startup[0], data.n_replies[5].other_affiliation[0] ],
  }
)

7) Length of stay within the same company

If yes, on average, how long did you stay with previous employers before changing companies?

h_barchart(
  data.replies_clean[6],
  {
   x: (d) => d.all_ratio,     
    xFilter1_1: (d) => d.researcher_ratio,     
    xFilter1_2: (d) => d.software_developer_ratio,     
    xFilter1_3: (d) => d.student_ratio,     
    xFilter1_4: (d) => d.other_role_ratio,
    xFilter2_1: (d) => d.academic_institution_ratio,     
    xFilter2_2: (d) => d.enterprise_organization_ratio,     
    xFilter2_3: (d) => d.startup_ratio,     
    xFilter2_4: (d) => d.other_affiliation_ratio,
    y: (d) => d.short_label,     
    filterLabels1: ["All", "Researcher","Software Developer","Student","Other Role"],
    filterLabels2: ["Academic Institution", "Enterprise Organization", "Startup", "Other Organizazion Type"],
    filters: true,
    width: width,       
    questionN: 7,
    nAnswers: [data.n_replies[6].all[0], data.n_replies[6].researcher[0], data.n_replies[6].software_developer[0],             data.n_replies[6].student[0], data.n_replies[6].other_role[0], data.n_replies[6].academic_institution[0], data.n_replies[6].enterprise_organization[0], data.n_replies[6].startup[0], data.n_replies[6].other_affiliation[0] ],
  }
)

8) Work environment in quantum technology

If you work in quantum technology, how do you work?

h_barchart(
  data.replies_clean[7],
  {
    x: (d) => d.all_ratio,     
    xFilter1_1: (d) => d.researcher_ratio,     
    xFilter1_2: (d) => d.software_developer_ratio,     
    xFilter1_3: (d) => d.student_ratio,     
    xFilter1_4: (d) => d.other_role_ratio,
    xFilter2_1: (d) => d.academic_institution_ratio,     
    xFilter2_2: (d) => d.enterprise_organization_ratio,     
    xFilter2_3: (d) => d.startup_ratio,     
    xFilter2_4: (d) => d.other_affiliation_ratio,
    y: (d) => d.short_label,     
    filterLabels1: ["All", "Researcher","Software Developer","Student","Other Role"],
    filterLabels2: ["Academic Institution", "Enterprise Organization", "Startup", "Other Organizazion Type"],
    filters: true,
    width: width,      
    questionN: 8,
    nAnswers: [data.n_replies[7].all[0], data.n_replies[7].researcher[0], data.n_replies[7].software_developer[0],             data.n_replies[7].student[0], data.n_replies[7].other_role[0], data.n_replies[7].academic_institution[0], data.n_replies[7].enterprise_organization[0], data.n_replies[7].startup[0], data.n_replies[7].other_affiliation[0] ],
  }
)

9) Current/expected total annual compensation in US dollars

What is your current/expected total annual compensation in US dollars (salary, bonuses, and perks, before taxes and deductions)? Please enter a whole number in the box below, without any punctuation. If you prefer not to answer, please leave the box empty.

h_barchart(
  data.replies_clean[8],
  {
    x: (d) => d.all_ratio,     
    xFilter1_1: (d) => d.researcher_ratio,     
    xFilter1_2: (d) => d.software_developer_ratio,     
    xFilter1_3: (d) => d.student_ratio,     
    xFilter1_4: (d) => d.other_role_ratio,
    xFilter2_1: (d) => d.academic_institution_ratio,     
    xFilter2_2: (d) => d.enterprise_organization_ratio,     
    xFilter2_3: (d) => d.startup_ratio,     
    xFilter2_4: (d) => d.other_affiliation_ratio,
    y: (d) => d.short_label,     
    filterLabels1: ["All", "Researcher","Software Developer","Student","Other Role"],
    filterLabels2: ["Academic Institution", "Enterprise Organization", "Startup", "Other Organizazion Type"],
    filters: true,
    width: width,      
    questionN: 9,
    nAnswers: [data.n_replies[9].all[0], data.n_replies[9].researcher[0], data.n_replies[9].software_developer[0],             data.n_replies[9].student[0], data.n_replies[9].other_role[0], data.n_replies[9].academic_institution[0], data.n_replies[9].enterprise_organization[0], data.n_replies[9].startup[0], data.n_replies[9].other_affiliation[0] ],
  }
)

10) Country of residence

In what country do you currently live?

Total answers: 617

length_10 = data.replies_clean[9].length

h_barchart(
  data.replies_clean[9].slice(length_10 - 10, length_10),
  {
    x: (d) => d.all_ratio,     
    y: (d) => d.short_label,     
    filterLabels2: ["Academic Institution", "Enterprise Organization", "Startup", "Other Organizazion Type"],
    filters: false,
    width: width,     
    questionN: 10,
    nAnswers: []
  }
)

h_barchart(
  data.replies_clean[9],
  {
    x: (d) => d.all_ratio,     
    y: (d) => d.short_label,     
    filterLabels2: ["Academic Institution", "Enterprise Organization", "Startup", "Other Organizazion Type"],
    filters: false,
    width: width,     
    questionN: 10,
    nAnswers: []
  }
)

11) Age

What is your age?

h_barchart(
  data.replies_clean[10],
  {
    x: (d) => d.all_ratio,     
    xFilter1_1: (d) => d.researcher_ratio,     
    xFilter1_2: (d) => d.software_developer_ratio,     
    xFilter1_3: (d) => d.student_ratio,     
    xFilter1_4: (d) => d.other_role_ratio,
    xFilter2_1: (d) => d.academic_institution_ratio,     
    xFilter2_2: (d) => d.enterprise_organization_ratio,     
    xFilter2_3: (d) => d.startup_ratio,     
    xFilter2_4: (d) => d.other_affiliation_ratio,
    y: (d) => d.short_label,     
    filterLabels1: ["All", "Researcher","Software Developer","Student","Other Role"],
    filterLabels2: ["Academic Institution", "Enterprise Organization", "Startup", "Other Organizazion Type"],
    filters: true,
    width: width,        
    questionN: 11,
    nAnswers: [data.n_replies[10].all[0], data.n_replies[10].researcher[0], data.n_replies[10].software_developer[0],             data.n_replies[10].student[0], data.n_replies[10].other_role[0], data.n_replies[10].academic_institution[0], data.n_replies[10].enterprise_organization[0], data.n_replies[10].startup[0], data.n_replies[10].other_affiliation[0] ],
  }
)

12) Educational background

What is your educational background?

h_barchart(
  data.replies_clean[11],
  {
    x: (d) => d.all_ratio,     
    xFilter1_1: (d) => d.researcher_ratio,     
    xFilter1_2: (d) => d.software_developer_ratio,     
    xFilter1_3: (d) => d.student_ratio,     
    xFilter1_4: (d) => d.other_role_ratio,
    xFilter2_1: (d) => d.academic_institution_ratio,     
    xFilter2_2: (d) => d.enterprise_organization_ratio,     
    xFilter2_3: (d) => d.startup_ratio,     
    xFilter2_4: (d) => d.other_affiliation_ratio,
    y: (d) => d.short_label,     
    filterLabels1: ["All", "Researcher","Software Developer","Student","Other Role"],
    filterLabels2: ["Academic Institution", "Enterprise Organization", "Startup", "Other Organizazion Type"],
    filters: true,
    width: width,           
    questionN: 12,
    nAnswers: [data.n_replies[11].all[0], data.n_replies[11].researcher[0], data.n_replies[11].software_developer[0],             data.n_replies[11].student[0], data.n_replies[11].other_role[0], data.n_replies[11].academic_institution[0], data.n_replies[11].enterprise_organization[0], data.n_replies[11].startup[0], data.n_replies[11].other_affiliation[0] ],
  }
)

13) Ethnicity

What race or ethnicity best describes you?

yearsData2022 = [
      { short_label: "White or of European descent", value: 52 },
      { short_label: "South Asian", value: 12 },
      { short_label: "Prefer Not to Share", value: 4 },
      { short_label: "East Asian", value: 4 },
      { short_label: "Hispanic or Latino", value: 8 },
      { short_label: "Other", value: 2 },
      { short_label: "Middle Eastern", value: 3 },
      { short_label: "Black or of African descent", value: 6 },
      { short_label: "Biracial/Multiracial", value: 4 },
    ];
    
dataWith2022 = data.replies_clean[12].map((e, index) => {
const d = yearsData2022.find((d) => d.short_label == e.short_label)
e["data2022"] = d.value
})

years_chart(
  data.replies_clean[12],
  {
    x: (d) => d.all_ratio,  
    x2: (d) => d.data2022,     
    y: (d) => d.short_label,     
    width: width,     
    questionN: 13,
    max: 52, //dato 2022,
    nAnswers: [data.n_replies[12].all[0], "172"],
  }
)

14) Gender identity

What is your gender identity?

yearsData2022_14 = [
      { short_label: "Man", value: 73 },
      { short_label: "Woman", value: 19 },
      { short_label: "Prefer Not to Share", value: 4 },
      { short_label: "Non-binary, genderqueer or gender non-conforming", value: 3 },
      { short_label: "Self-described", value: 1 },
    ];
    
dataWith2022_14 = data.replies_clean[13].map((e, index) => {
const d = yearsData2022_14.find((d) => d.short_label == e.short_label)
e["data2022"] = d.value
})

years_chart(
  data.replies_clean[13],
  {
    x: (d) => d.all_ratio,  
    x2: (d) => d.data2022,     
    y: (d) => d.short_label,     
    width: width,     
    questionN: 14,
    max: 77, //dato 2022,
    nAnswers: [data.n_replies[13].all[0], "172"],
  }
)

Experience

15) Quantum software use

Have you ever used any Quantum Software? Quantum Software is any tool that assists with connecting to quantum computing cloud services or research in the fields of quantum computing or quantum physics, as well as study, teach, learn, develop, simulate, or interact with quantum computing concepts.

h_barchart(
  data.replies_clean[14],
  {
    x: (d) => d.all_ratio,     
    xFilter1_1: (d) => d.researcher_ratio,     
    xFilter1_2: (d) => d.software_developer_ratio,     
    xFilter1_3: (d) => d.student_ratio,     
    xFilter1_4: (d) => d.other_role_ratio,
    xFilter2_1: (d) => d.academic_institution_ratio,     
    xFilter2_2: (d) => d.enterprise_organization_ratio,     
    xFilter2_3: (d) => d.startup_ratio,     
    xFilter2_4: (d) => d.other_affiliation_ratio,
    y: (d) => d.short_label,     
    filterLabels1: ["All", "Researcher","Software Developer","Student","Other Role"],
    filterLabels2: ["Academic Institution", "Enterprise Organization", "Startup", "Other Organizazion Type"],
    filters: true,
    width: width,  
    questionN: 15,
    nAnswers: [data.n_replies[14].all[0], data.n_replies[14].researcher[0], data.n_replies[14].software_developer[0],             data.n_replies[14].student[0], data.n_replies[14].other_role[0], data.n_replies[14].academic_institution[0], data.n_replies[14].enterprise_organization[0], data.n_replies[14].startup[0], data.n_replies[14].other_affiliation[0] ],
  }
)

16) Role in the quantum software project most involved in

When it comes to the Quantum Software project you are most involved in, what best describes your role during the last year?

h_barchart(
  data.replies_clean[15],
  {
    x: (d) => d.all_ratio,     
    xFilter1_1: (d) => d.researcher_ratio,     
    xFilter1_2: (d) => d.software_developer_ratio,     
    xFilter1_3: (d) => d.student_ratio,     
    xFilter1_4: (d) => d.other_role_ratio,
    xFilter2_1: (d) => d.academic_institution_ratio,     
    xFilter2_2: (d) => d.enterprise_organization_ratio,     
    xFilter2_3: (d) => d.startup_ratio,     
    xFilter2_4: (d) => d.other_affiliation_ratio,
    y: (d) => d.short_label,     
    filterLabels1: ["All", "Researcher","Software Developer","Student","Other Role"],
    filterLabels2: ["Academic Institution", "Enterprise Organization", "Startup", "Other Organizazion Type"],
    filters: true,
    width: width,      
    questionN: 16,
    nAnswers: [data.n_replies[15].all[0], data.n_replies[15].researcher[0], data.n_replies[15].software_developer[0],             data.n_replies[15].student[0], data.n_replies[15].other_role[0], data.n_replies[15].academic_institution[0], data.n_replies[15].enterprise_organization[0], data.n_replies[15].startup[0], data.n_replies[15].other_affiliation[0] ],
  }
)

Cloud services

17) Cloud services used currently or in the future

Please select which of the following cloud services for quantum software you are currently using and which services you would like to use in the next year? Please select all that apply.

Total answers: 530

array = data.replies_clean[16].map((r) => 
mult_barchart(
  r.data,
  {
    x: (d) => d.all_ratio,     
    y: (d) => d.short_label,
    z: r.tool,
    width: width,     
    questionN: 17,
    max: 71 // give the same scale to all charts
  }
))

// solo i primi 5
array[0]

array[1]

array[2]

array[3]

array[4]

Tool	Have been using it in the last year	Plan to continue using it next year	Plan to start using it next year
IBM Quantum	70.4	53.6	12.3
Amazon Braket	19.1	12.3	19.6
Quantinuum	17.9	16.4	13.4
Google	16.0	12.1	17.9
Xanadu	16.8	14.3	14.2
Microsoft’s Azure Quantum	12.3	7.2	17.5
IonQ	6.6	6.2	12.3
qBraid	9.2	7.9	6.8
DWave	7.9	4.5	10.6
Pasqal	3.2	3.4	10.2
Rigetti Cloud Services	4.7	3.2	7.7
Infleqtion	2.3	3.4	6.6
Strangeworks	1.5	2.5	6.6
Quandela	1.3	2.1	7.0
Quantum Inspire	2.6	1.7	5.3

17b) Cloud services: 2023 vs 2022

yearsData2022_17b = [
      { short_label: "IBM Quantum", value: 80 },
      { short_label: "Amazon Braket", value: 21 },
      { short_label: "Quantinuum", value: 8 },
      { short_label: "Google", value: 15 },
      { short_label: "Xanadu", value: 16 },
      { short_label: "Microsoft's Azure Quantum", value: 15 },
      { short_label: "IonQ", value: 8 },
      { short_label: "qBraid", value: 9 },
      { short_label: "DWave", value: 12 },
    ];
    
nToShow = 9
length_17 = data.replies_clean[16].length
    
dataWith2022_17b = mylist.map((e, index) => {
  if (index < nToShow){
    const d = yearsData2022_17b.find((d) => e.tool == d.short_label)
    e["data2022"] = d.value
  }
})

reversed17 = Array.from(mylist, (e, i) => mylist[mylist.length - 1 - i]);

years_chart(
  reversed17.slice(length_17 - nToShow, length_17),
  {
    x: (d) => d.val23,  
    x2: (d) => d.data2022,     
    y: (d) => d.tool,     
    width: width,     
    questionN: 17,
    max: 80, //dato 2022, ???
    nAnswers: [data.n_replies[16].all[0], "485"],
  }
)

Full-stack development platforms and simulators

18) Full-stack development platforms and simulators used currently or in the future

Please select which of the following full-stack development platforms and simulators you are currently using or would like to use in the future. Please select all that apply.

Total answers: 535

array18 = data.replies_clean[17].map((r) => 
mult_barchart(
  r.data,
  {
    x: (d) => d.all_ratio,     
    y: (d) => d.short_label,
    z: r.tool,
    width: width,     
    questionN: 18,
    max: 69 // give the same scale to all charts
  }
))

// solo i primi 5
array18[0]

array18[1]

array18[2]

array18[3]

array18[4]

Tool	Have been using it in the last year	Plan to continue using it next year	Plan to start using it next year
Qiskit	68.8	55.3	8.8
Qiskit Aer	46.4	39.1	5.4
PennyLane	29.0	22.6	10.8
Cirq	22.8	17.6	10.7
t|ket>	19.8	16.3	8.6
amazon-braket-sdk-python	13.8	8.6	12.0
cuQuantum	9.9	9.3	10.1
QuTiP-qip	12.1	10.1	5.6
CUDA Quantum	7.7	7.5	8.8
Q#	9.3	5.0	8.6
Strawberry Fields	5.6	3.6	7.7
dwave-ocean-sdk	6.7	3.7	6.0
Intel Quantum Simulator	3.2	1.7	9.5
Yao.jl	3.7	3.6	5.4
pyQuil	4.7	3.2	3.7
Quirk	4.5	3.0	3.6
TensorCircuit	1.9	2.6	6.5
Bloqade	3.7	2.2	5.0
ProjectQ	3.2	1.5	3.7
Qibo	1.5	1.9	4.9
Silq	1.3	1.5	5.4
Pulser	2.1	1.9	4.1
Perceval	1.5	1.9	4.7
XaCC	1.9	1.7	3.9
CQuIC/qcircuit	2.1	1.3	4.1
quil-lang/qvm	1.9	1.7	3.7
QuantumUtils/quantum-utils-mathematica	1.5	1.3	4.3
Qrack	0.7	1.1	5.0
QuEST-Kit/QuEST	1.5	0.7	4.5
Tequila	1.3	1.1	4.1
corbett/QuantumComputing (Quintuplet)	0.6	0.7	4.5
softwareQinc/qpp (Q++)	0.9	0.7	4.1
OpenQL	0.4	0.7	4.3
weinbe58/QuSpin	1.3	1.1	3.0
DDSIM	0.9	0.4	3.7
stewdio/q.js (Quantum JavaScript)	0.6	1.1	3.2
quantastica/quantum-circuit	0.6	0.4	3.7
QWIRE	0.9	0.4	3.4
Liqui|>	0.9	0.4	3.4
quipper-language	0.6	0.4	3.6
Staq	0.4	0.6	3.4
QCGPU	0.4	0.4	3.2

18b) Full-stack development platforms and simulators: 2023 vs 2022

yearsData2022_18b = [
      { short_label: "Qiskit", value: 81 },
      { short_label: "Qiskit Aer", value: 50 },
      { short_label: "PennyLane", value: 29 },
      { short_label: "Cirq", value: 29 },
      { short_label: "t|ket>", value: 15 },
      { short_label: "amazon-braket -sdk-python", value: 16 },
      { short_label: "cuQuantum", value: 6 },
      { short_label: "QuTiP-qip", value: 14 },
      { short_label: "Q#", value: 9 },
    ];

nToShow18 = 8
length_18 = data.replies_clean[17].length

    
dataWith2022_18b = mylist18.map((e, index) => {
  if (index < nToShow18){
    const d = yearsData2022_18b.find((d) => e.tool == d.short_label)
    e["data2022"] = d.value
  }
})

reversed18 = Array.from(mylist18, (e, i) => mylist18[mylist18.length - 1 - i]);

years_chart(
  reversed18.slice(length_18 - nToShow18, length_18),
  {
    x: (d) => d.val23,  
    x2: (d) => d.data2022,     
    y: (d) => d.tool,     
    width: width,     
    questionN: 18,
    max: 80,
    nAnswers: [data.n_replies[17].all[0], "468"],
  }
)

Software for applications and tools

19) Softwares for applications and tools used currently or in the future

Please select which of the following software for applications and tools you are currently using as quantum software and which software you would like to use in the next year. Please select all that apply.

Total answers: 411

array19 = data.replies_clean[18].map((r) => 
mult_barchart(
  r.data,
  {
    x: (d) => d.all_ratio,     
    y: (d) => d.short_label,
    z: r.tool,
    width: width,     
    questionN: 19,
    max: 30 // give the same scale to all charts
  }
))

// solo i primi 5
array19[0]

array19[1]

array19[2]

array19[3]

array19[4]

Tool	Have been using it in the last year	Plan to continue using it next year	Plan to start using it next year
Qiskit/qiskit-optimization	29.9	25.5	15.1
Qiskit/qiskit-machine-learning	27.5	23.1	18.7
PennyLaneAI/qml	25.1	21.4	13.4
openqasm/openqasm	28.2	23.1	8.0
Qiskit/qiskit-nature	24.1	20.7	11.4
tensorflow/quantum	13.4	10.2	17.0
Qiskit/qiskit-finance	13.4	11.7	10.5
unitaryfund/mitiq	9.2	7.3	11.7
quantumlib/OpenFermion	10.2	7.5	7.1
mit-han-lab/torchquantum	4.6	6.1	9.2
BQSKit/bqskit	5.1	5.4	6.8
quantumlib/Stim	4.9	6.1	5.6
Quantomatic/pyzx	4.9	3.6	6.6
AgnostiqHQ/covalent	3.9	2.7	6.1
Infleqtion/Superstaq	2.9	3.6	4.9
qir-alliance/qcor	2.7	1.7	5.1
zapatacomputing/orqviz	2.2	0.7	4.4
boschmitt/tweedledum	2.2	0.5	4.6
lanl/qmasm	1.5	1.5	3.9
SoftwareQuTech/SimulaQron	1.7	1.2	3.4
NetKet/NetKet	1.0	1.0	3.9
vprusso/toqito	0.7	0.7	4.4
hongyehu/PyClifford	0.7	0.5	4.1
tqsd/QuNetSim	1.2	1.0	2.9
epiqc/ScaffCC	0.0	0.5	3.6

19b) Softwares for applications and tools: 2023 vs 2022

yearsData2022_19b = [
      { short_label: "Qiskit/ qiskit-optimization", value: 40 },
      { short_label: "Qiskit/ qiskit-machine-learning", value: 38 },
      { short_label: "PennyLaneAI/ qml", value: 27 },
      { short_label: "openqasm/ openqasm", value: 24 },
      { short_label: "Qiskit/ qiskit-nature", value: 33 },
      { short_label: "tensorflow/ quantum", value: 19 },
      { short_label: "Qiskit/ qiskit-finance", value: 22 },
      { short_label: "unitaryfund/ mitiq", value: 12 },
      { short_label: "quantumlib/ OpenFermion", value: 11 },
    ];

nToShow19 = 9
length_19 = data.replies_clean[18].length

    
dataWith2022_19b = mylist19.map((e, index) => {
  if (index < nToShow19){
    const d = yearsData2022_19b.find((d) => e.tool == d.short_label)
    e["data2022"] = d.value
  }
})

reversed19 = Array.from(mylist19, (e, i) => mylist19[mylist19.length - 1 - i]);

years_chart(
  reversed19.slice(length_19 - nToShow19, length_19),
  {
    x: (d) => d.val23,  
    x2: (d) => d.data2022,     
    y: (d) => d.tool,     
    width: width,     
    questionN: 19,
    max: 40,
    nAnswers: [data.n_replies[18].all[0], "376"],
  }
)

User experience

20) Importance rating when choosing a cloud service/development platform/application tool

When choosing Cloud Services, Full Stack Development Platforms & Simulators, or Software for Application/Tools, please select which of the following factors is most important to you.

Total answers: 488

mult_barchart_filters(
  data.replies_clean[19],
  {
    x: (d) => d.cloud_services,     
    xFilter1_1: (d) => d.full_stack_development_platforms_and_simulators,     
    xFilter1_2: (d) => d.software_for_applications_and_tools,     
    y: (d) => d.short_label,     
    filterLabels1: ["Cloud Services",
      "Full Stack Development Platforms and Simulators",
      "Software for Applications and Tools"],
    filters: true,
    width: width,    
    questionN: 20,
    max: 70,
  }
)

21) Main reasons for not using the technologies that respondents would like to use but are not currently using

For the technologies that you would like to use but are not currently using, what are the main reasons for not currently using them?

yearsData2022_21 = [
      { short_label: "Poorly documented", value: 42 },
      { short_label: "Price", value: 44 },
      { short_label: "Incompatible with current stack", value: 29 },
      { short_label: "Tool does not exist", value: 38 },
      { short_label: "Others", value: 17 },
    ];
    
dataWith2022_21 = data.replies_clean[20].map((e, index) => {
const d = yearsData2022_21.find((d) => d.short_label == e.short_label)
e["data2022"] = d.value
})

years_chart(
  data.replies_clean[20],
  {
    x: (d) => d.all_ratio,  
    x2: (d) => d.data2022,     
    y: (d) => d.short_label,     
    width: width,     
    questionN: 21,
    max: 50, //dato 2022,
    nAnswers: [data.n_replies[20].all[0], "508"],
  }
)

Open Source Software (OSS) Development & Research

22) Code contributions to quantum OSS projects (can be collaborative or personal projects)

Do you contribute code to quantum OSS projects (can be collaborative or personal projects)?

h_barchart(
  data.replies_clean[21],
  {
    x: (d) => d.all_ratio,     
    xFilter1_1: (d) => d.researcher_ratio,     
    xFilter1_2: (d) => d.software_developer_ratio,     
    xFilter1_3: (d) => d.student_ratio,     
    xFilter1_4: (d) => d.other_role_ratio,
    xFilter2_1: (d) => d.academic_institution_ratio,     
    xFilter2_2: (d) => d.enterprise_organization_ratio,     
    xFilter2_3: (d) => d.startup_ratio,     
    xFilter2_4: (d) => d.other_affiliation_ratio,
    y: (d) => d.short_label,     
    filterLabels1: ["All", "Researcher","Software Developer","Student","Other Role"],
    filterLabels2: ["Academic Institution", "Enterprise Organization", "Startup", "Other Organizazion Type"],
    filters: true,
    width: width,    
    questionN: 22,
    nAnswers: [data.n_replies[21].all[0], data.n_replies[21].researcher[0], data.n_replies[21].software_developer[0],             data.n_replies[21].student[0], data.n_replies[21].other_role[0], data.n_replies[21].academic_institution[0], data.n_replies[21].enterprise_organization[0], data.n_replies[21].startup[0], data.n_replies[21].other_affiliation[0] ],
  }
)

23) Contributions to quantum OSS as part of scientific research in the quantum field

Are your contributions to quantum OSS part of your scientific research in the quantum field?

h_barchart(
  data.replies_clean[22],
  {
    x: (d) => d.all_ratio,     
    xFilter1_1: (d) => d.researcher_ratio,     
    xFilter1_2: (d) => d.software_developer_ratio,     
    xFilter1_3: (d) => d.student_ratio,     
    xFilter1_4: (d) => d.other_role_ratio,
    xFilter2_1: (d) => d.academic_institution_ratio,     
    xFilter2_2: (d) => d.enterprise_organization_ratio,     
    xFilter2_3: (d) => d.startup_ratio,     
    xFilter2_4: (d) => d.other_affiliation_ratio,
    y: (d) => d.short_label,     
    filterLabels1: ["All", "Researcher","Software Developer","Student","Other Role"],
    filterLabels2: ["Academic Institution", "Enterprise Organization", "Startup", "Other Organizazion Type"],
    filters: true,
    width: width,  
    questionN: 23,
    nAnswers: [data.n_replies[22].all[0], data.n_replies[22].researcher[0], data.n_replies[22].software_developer[0],             data.n_replies[22].student[0], data.n_replies[22].other_role[0], data.n_replies[22].academic_institution[0], data.n_replies[22].enterprise_organization[0], data.n_replies[22].startup[0], data.n_replies[22].other_affiliation[0] ],
  }
)

24) The type of quantum computing research the respondent performs

Please select the type of quantum computing research you are performing. Please check all that apply.

h_barchart(
  data.replies_clean[23],
  {
    x: (d) => d.all_ratio,     
    xFilter1_1: (d) => d.researcher_ratio,     
    xFilter1_2: (d) => d.software_developer_ratio,     
    xFilter1_3: (d) => d.student_ratio,     
    xFilter1_4: (d) => d.other_role_ratio,
    xFilter2_1: (d) => d.academic_institution_ratio,     
    xFilter2_2: (d) => d.enterprise_organization_ratio,     
    xFilter2_3: (d) => d.startup_ratio,     
    xFilter2_4: (d) => d.other_affiliation_ratio,
    y: (d) => d.short_label,     
    filterLabels1: ["All", "Researcher","Software Developer","Student","Other Role"],
    filterLabels2: ["Academic Institution", "Enterprise Organization", "Startup", "Other Organizazion Type"],
    filters: true,
    width: width,     
    questionN: 24,
    nAnswers: [data.n_replies[23].all[0], data.n_replies[23].researcher[0], data.n_replies[23].software_developer[0],             data.n_replies[23].student[0], data.n_replies[23].other_role[0], data.n_replies[23].academic_institution[0], data.n_replies[23].enterprise_organization[0], data.n_replies[23].startup[0], data.n_replies[23].other_affiliation[0] ],
  }
)

25) Area of quantum computing believed to be the most promising for future research

Please select the area of quantum computing you believe to be the most promising for future research. Please check all that apply.

h_barchart(
  data.replies_clean[24],
  {
    x: (d) => d.all_ratio,     
    xFilter1_1: (d) => d.researcher_ratio,     
    xFilter1_2: (d) => d.software_developer_ratio,     
    xFilter1_3: (d) => d.student_ratio,     
    xFilter1_4: (d) => d.other_role_ratio,
    xFilter2_1: (d) => d.academic_institution_ratio,     
    xFilter2_2: (d) => d.enterprise_organization_ratio,     
    xFilter2_3: (d) => d.startup_ratio,     
    xFilter2_4: (d) => d.other_affiliation_ratio,
    y: (d) => d.short_label,     
    filterLabels1: ["All", "Researcher","Software Developer","Student","Other Role"],
    filterLabels2: ["Academic Institution", "Enterprise Organization", "Startup", "Other Organizazion Type"],
    filters: true,
    width: width,      
    questionN: 25,
    nAnswers: [data.n_replies[24].all[0], data.n_replies[24].researcher[0], data.n_replies[24].software_developer[0],             data.n_replies[24].student[0], data.n_replies[24].other_role[0], data.n_replies[24].academic_institution[0], data.n_replies[24].enterprise_organization[0], data.n_replies[24].startup[0], data.n_replies[24].other_affiliation[0] ],
  }
)

26) Co-authored a research paper based on work with open-source software

Have you co-authored a research paper based on work with open-source software?

h_barchart(
  data.replies_clean[25],
  {
    x: (d) => d.all_ratio,     
    xFilter1_1: (d) => d.researcher_ratio,     
    xFilter1_2: (d) => d.software_developer_ratio,     
    xFilter1_3: (d) => d.student_ratio,     
    xFilter1_4: (d) => d.other_role_ratio,
    xFilter2_1: (d) => d.academic_institution_ratio,     
    xFilter2_2: (d) => d.enterprise_organization_ratio,     
    xFilter2_3: (d) => d.startup_ratio,     
    xFilter2_4: (d) => d.other_affiliation_ratio,
    y: (d) => d.short_label,     
    filterLabels1: ["All", "Researcher","Software Developer","Student","Other Role"],
    filterLabels2: ["Academic Institution", "Enterprise Organization", "Startup", "Other Organizazion Type"],
    filters: true,
    width: width,    
    questionN: 26,
    nAnswers: [data.n_replies[25].all[0], data.n_replies[25].researcher[0], data.n_replies[25].software_developer[0],             data.n_replies[25].student[0], data.n_replies[25].other_role[0], data.n_replies[25].academic_institution[0], data.n_replies[25].enterprise_organization[0], data.n_replies[25].startup[0], data.n_replies[25].other_affiliation[0] ],
  }
)

27) Programming languages the respondent use in developing quantum software

Which programming languages do you use in developing quantum software? Please select all that apply.

h_barchart(
  data.replies_clean[26],
  {
    x: (d) => d.all_ratio,     
    xFilter1_1: (d) => d.researcher_ratio,     
    xFilter1_2: (d) => d.software_developer_ratio,     
    xFilter1_3: (d) => d.student_ratio,     
    xFilter1_4: (d) => d.other_role_ratio,
    xFilter2_1: (d) => d.academic_institution_ratio,     
    xFilter2_2: (d) => d.enterprise_organization_ratio,     
    xFilter2_3: (d) => d.startup_ratio,     
    xFilter2_4: (d) => d.other_affiliation_ratio,
    y: (d) => d.short_label,     
    filterLabels1: ["All", "Researcher","Software Developer","Student","Other Role"],
    filterLabels2: ["Academic Institution", "Enterprise Organization", "Startup", "Other Organizazion Type"],
    filters: true,
    width: width,  
    questionN: 27,
    nAnswers: [data.n_replies[26].all[0], data.n_replies[26].researcher[0], data.n_replies[26].software_developer[0],             data.n_replies[26].student[0], data.n_replies[26].other_role[0], data.n_replies[26].academic_institution[0], data.n_replies[26].enterprise_organization[0], data.n_replies[26].startup[0], data.n_replies[26].other_affiliation[0] ],
  }
)

27b) Programming languages the respondent use in developing quantum software, comparison by year

length_27 = data.replies_clean[26].length

yearsData2022_27b = [
      { short_label: "Python", value: 94 },
      { short_label: "C/C++", value: 26 },
      { short_label: "Julia", value: 10 },
      { short_label: "MATLAB", value: 10 },
      { short_label: "Rust", value: 7 },
      { short_label: "Mathematica", value: 10 },
      { short_label: "Q#", value: 5 },
      { short_label: "Javascript", value: 6 },
    ];
    
dataWith2022_27b = data.replies_clean[26].slice(length_27 - 8, length_27).map((e, index) => {
const d = yearsData2022_27b.find((d) => d.short_label == e.short_label)
e["data2022"] = d.value
})
    
years_chart(
  data.replies_clean[26].slice(length_27 - 8, length_27),
  {
    x: (d) => d.all_ratio,  
    x2: (d) => d.data2022,     
    y: (d) => d.short_label,     
    width: width,     
    questionN: 27,
    max: 96, 
    nAnswers: [data.n_replies[26].all[0], "543"],
  }
)

28) Programming languages the respondent would like to learn, or consider to be the most promising for future use

Which programming languages would you like to learn, or consider to be the most promising for future use? Please select all that apply.

h_barchart(
  data.replies_clean[27],
  {
    x: (d) => d.all_ratio,     
    xFilter1_1: (d) => d.researcher_ratio,     
    xFilter1_2: (d) => d.software_developer_ratio,     
    xFilter1_3: (d) => d.student_ratio,     
    xFilter1_4: (d) => d.other_role_ratio,
    xFilter2_1: (d) => d.academic_institution_ratio,     
    xFilter2_2: (d) => d.enterprise_organization_ratio,     
    xFilter2_3: (d) => d.startup_ratio,     
    xFilter2_4: (d) => d.other_affiliation_ratio,
    y: (d) => d.short_label,     
    filterLabels1: ["All", "Researcher","Software Developer","Student","Other Role"],
    filterLabels2: ["Academic Institution", "Enterprise Organization", "Startup", "Other Organizazion Type"],
    filters: true,
    width: width,     
    questionN: 28,
    nAnswers: [data.n_replies[27].all[0], data.n_replies[27].researcher[0], data.n_replies[27].software_developer[0],             data.n_replies[27].student[0], data.n_replies[27].other_role[0], data.n_replies[27].academic_institution[0], data.n_replies[27].enterprise_organization[0], data.n_replies[27].startup[0], data.n_replies[27].other_affiliation[0] ],
  }
)

29) Workflow used in developing quantum software

Which of the below workflows do you use in developing quantum software? Please select all that apply.

h_barchart(
  data.replies_clean[28],
  {
    x: (d) => d.all_ratio,     
    xFilter1_1: (d) => d.researcher_ratio,     
    xFilter1_2: (d) => d.software_developer_ratio,     
    xFilter1_3: (d) => d.student_ratio,     
    xFilter1_4: (d) => d.other_role_ratio,
    xFilter2_1: (d) => d.academic_institution_ratio,     
    xFilter2_2: (d) => d.enterprise_organization_ratio,     
    xFilter2_3: (d) => d.startup_ratio,     
    xFilter2_4: (d) => d.other_affiliation_ratio,
    y: (d) => d.short_label,     
    filterLabels1: ["All", "Researcher","Software Developer","Student","Other Role"],
    filterLabels2: ["Academic Institution", "Enterprise Organization", "Startup", "Other Organizazion Type"],
    filters: true,
    width: width,     
    questionN: 29,
    nAnswers: [data.n_replies[28].all[0], data.n_replies[28].researcher[0], data.n_replies[28].software_developer[0],             data.n_replies[28].student[0], data.n_replies[28].other_role[0], data.n_replies[28].academic_institution[0], data.n_replies[28].enterprise_organization[0], data.n_replies[28].startup[0], data.n_replies[28].other_affiliation[0] ],
  }
)

30) Platform used in hackathons or live coding sessions

In a hackathon or live coding session, what platform do you like using? Please select all that apply.

h_barchart(
  data.replies_clean[29],
  {
    x: (d) => d.all_ratio,     
    xFilter1_1: (d) => d.researcher_ratio,     
    xFilter1_2: (d) => d.software_developer_ratio,     
    xFilter1_3: (d) => d.student_ratio,     
    xFilter1_4: (d) => d.other_role_ratio,
    xFilter2_1: (d) => d.academic_institution_ratio,     
    xFilter2_2: (d) => d.enterprise_organization_ratio,     
    xFilter2_3: (d) => d.startup_ratio,     
    xFilter2_4: (d) => d.other_affiliation_ratio,
    y: (d) => d.short_label,     
    filterLabels1: ["All", "Researcher","Software Developer","Student","Other Role"],
    filterLabels2: ["Academic Institution", "Enterprise Organization", "Startup", "Other Organizazion Type"],
    filters: true,
    width: width,      
    questionN: 30,
    nAnswers: [data.n_replies[29].all[0], data.n_replies[29].researcher[0], data.n_replies[29].software_developer[0],             data.n_replies[29].student[0], data.n_replies[29].other_role[0], data.n_replies[29].academic_institution[0], data.n_replies[29].enterprise_organization[0], data.n_replies[29].startup[0], data.n_replies[29].other_affiliation[0] ],
  }
)

Community

31) Opinion on how welcoming the quantum software community is

How welcoming do you feel the quantum software community is? The quantum software community includes the people and structures, both online and off-line, of professionals, students and volunteers involved in developing software projects for quantum science and quantum technology.

h_barchart(
  data.replies_clean[30],
  {
    x: (d) => d.all_ratio,     
    xFilter1_1: (d) => d.researcher_ratio,     
    xFilter1_2: (d) => d.software_developer_ratio,     
    xFilter1_3: (d) => d.student_ratio,     
    xFilter1_4: (d) => d.other_role_ratio,
    xFilter2_1: (d) => d.academic_institution_ratio,     
    xFilter2_2: (d) => d.enterprise_organization_ratio,     
    xFilter2_3: (d) => d.startup_ratio,     
    xFilter2_4: (d) => d.other_affiliation_ratio,
    y: (d) => d.short_label,     
    filterLabels1: ["All", "Researcher","Software Developer","Student","Other Role"],
    filterLabels2: ["Academic Institution", "Enterprise Organization", "Startup", "Other Organizazion Type"],
    filters: true,
    width: width,     
    questionN: 31,
    nAnswers: [data.n_replies[30].all[0], data.n_replies[30].researcher[0], data.n_replies[30].software_developer[0],             data.n_replies[30].student[0], data.n_replies[30].other_role[0], data.n_replies[30].academic_institution[0], data.n_replies[30].enterprise_organization[0], data.n_replies[30].startup[0], data.n_replies[30].other_affiliation[0] ],
  }
)

32) Opinion on what the impact of open source software on the quantum software community is

In your opinion, what is the impact of open source software on the quantum software community?

yearsData2022_32 = [
      { short_label: "Very positive", value: 78 },
      { short_label: "Somewhat positive", value: 16 },
      { short_label: "Neither positive nor negative", value: 1 },
      { short_label: "Do not know", value: 4 },
      { short_label: "Very negative", value: 0 },
    ];
    
dataWith2022_32 = data.replies_clean[31].map((e, index) => {
const d = yearsData2022_32.find((d) => d.short_label == e.short_label)
e["data2022"] = d.value
})

years_chart(
  data.replies_clean[31],
  {
    x: (d) => d.all_ratio,  
    x2: (d) => d.data2022,     
    y: (d) => d.short_label,     
    width: width,     
    questionN: 32,
    max: 78, //dato 2022,
    nAnswers: [data.n_replies[31].all[0], "541"],
  }
)

33) Source of answers or information when developing quantum software

When it comes to developing quantum software, where do you go for answers or information?

h_barchart(
  data.replies_clean[32],
  {
    x: (d) => d.all_ratio,     
    xFilter1_1: (d) => d.researcher_ratio,     
    xFilter1_2: (d) => d.software_developer_ratio,     
    xFilter1_3: (d) => d.student_ratio,     
    xFilter1_4: (d) => d.other_role_ratio,
    xFilter2_1: (d) => d.academic_institution_ratio,     
    xFilter2_2: (d) => d.enterprise_organization_ratio,     
    xFilter2_3: (d) => d.startup_ratio,     
    xFilter2_4: (d) => d.other_affiliation_ratio,
    y: (d) => d.short_label,     
    filterLabels1: ["All", "Researcher","Software Developer","Student","Other Role"],
    filterLabels2: ["Academic Institution", "Enterprise Organization", "Startup", "Other Organizazion Type"],
    filters: true,
    width: width,      
    questionN: 33,
    nAnswers: [data.n_replies[32].all[0], data.n_replies[32].researcher[0], data.n_replies[32].software_developer[0],             data.n_replies[32].student[0], data.n_replies[32].other_role[0], data.n_replies[32].academic_institution[0], data.n_replies[32].enterprise_organization[0], data.n_replies[32].startup[0], data.n_replies[32].other_affiliation[0] ],
  }
)

34) The types of resources/engagements helpful for learning or contributing to quantum open source projects

Which of the following types of resources/ engagements do you find helpful for your learning or contributing to quantum open source projects? Please select all that apply.

h_barchart(
  data.replies_clean[33],
  {
    x: (d) => d.all_ratio,     
    xFilter1_1: (d) => d.researcher_ratio,     
    xFilter1_2: (d) => d.software_developer_ratio,     
    xFilter1_3: (d) => d.student_ratio,     
    xFilter1_4: (d) => d.other_role_ratio,
    xFilter2_1: (d) => d.academic_institution_ratio,     
    xFilter2_2: (d) => d.enterprise_organization_ratio,     
    xFilter2_3: (d) => d.startup_ratio,     
    xFilter2_4: (d) => d.other_affiliation_ratio,
    y: (d) => d.short_label,     
    filterLabels1: ["All", "Researcher","Software Developer","Student","Other Role"],
    filterLabels2: ["Academic Institution", "Enterprise Organization", "Startup", "Other Organizazion Type"],
    filters: true,
    width: width,      
    questionN: 34,
    nAnswers: [data.n_replies[33].all[0], data.n_replies[33].researcher[0], data.n_replies[33].software_developer[0],             data.n_replies[33].student[0], data.n_replies[33].other_role[0], data.n_replies[33].academic_institution[0], data.n_replies[33].enterprise_organization[0], data.n_replies[33].startup[0], data.n_replies[33].other_affiliation[0] ],
  }
)

Methodology

The quantum OSS projects listed in the software survey have been chosen among those with >50 stars on Github/GitLab included in the awesome-quantum-software list and other lists, excluding software focusing on tutorials, cryptography, experiments. The software projects and platforms have been divided in three categories: cloud services; software for full-stack development and simulator; application tools.

A draft of the survey has been circulated among Unitary Fund advisory board, board, program members and partners for feedback. The survey has been open Sept. 27 – Oct. 29, 2023. The data is stored at github.com/unitaryfund/qoss-survey.

Unitary Fund circulated the surveys on its social media platforms (Discord, X, LinkedIn, UF blog) and contacting major blogs (QC Report, Qiskit Slack channels, PennyLane blog, etc.), newsletters (UF mailing list, QuTiP mailing list, academic networks, etc.), UF members, supporters and partners.

We are excited to repeat the survey in coming years and track the changes and trends in responses and in the field. This is possible thanks to UF Members and other supporters. Thank you to all that have participated and that will help share these findings.

© 2023 Unitary Fund.
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This report was developed by Otho Mantegazza and Verdiana Pasqualini.