Optimization of Food Using Quantum Technology and Machine Learning: Balancing Personal Nutrition Satisfaction and Societal Food Waste Reduction

Introduction

In today’s society, issues related to food are becoming increasingly important, both at the individual and societal levels. On one hand, individuals face challenges related to health and well-being, such as nutritional balance and satisfaction. On the other hand, society struggles with problems like food waste, which also impacts the environment. Optimization technologies are gaining attention as a promising approach to tackle these challenges.

The Dual Benefits of Food Optimization

Food optimization offers two major advantages:

1. Societal Benefits: Reduction of food waste, efficient resource utilization, and decreased environmental impact
2. Individual Benefits: Achievement of optimal nutritional balance, improved meal satisfaction, and enhanced health

Traditionally, individual satisfaction and societal optimization were seen as conflicting goals. However, with the latest optimization technologies, it is becoming increasingly feasible to achieve both.

The Importance of Proper Problem Formulation in Optimization

The key to successful food optimization lies in proper problem formulation. This involves considering several important elements:

• Constraints: Budget, cooking time, allergy concerns, kitchen equipment limitations, etc.
• Fixed Values: Required caloric intake, amounts of protein, vitamins, and minerals
• Objective Functions: Maximizing satisfaction, minimizing cost, optimizing nutritional balance

Balancing these factors enables the construction of realistic and effective optimization models.

Enhancing Accuracy with Machine Learning

Optimization alone cannot address issues such as future demand prediction. Here, machine learning plays a significant role:

• Learning consumption patterns of food based on historical data
• Predicting the impact of seasonal changes and special events
• Improving recommendation accuracy by learning individual preferences and dietary habits

Combining optimization with machine learning enables more precise and personalized food planning.

NEDO’s Challenge: Developing Next-Generation Menu Planning Systems Using Quantum Technology

To address these social challenges, NEDO has launched a reward-based program titled “Development of Next-Generation Menu Planning Systems Using Quantum Technology.” By leveraging the combinatorial optimization capabilities of quantum computers, NEDO is tackling complex menu optimization problems that were previously difficult to solve with classical computing.

https://www.nedo.go.jp/content/800024377.pdf

blueqat’s Support: Fostering Next-Generation Talent and Solving Societal Issues

blueqat actively engages in addressing societal challenges through the use of next-generation technologies. Specific efforts include:

• Promoting and educating about quantum computing technologies
• Supporting research and development on food optimization
• Driving collaborative projects through industry-academia partnerships

In particular, blueqat focuses on nurturing the next generation of talent to help solve various social issues through technology.

The Challenge: Bridging the Knowledge Gap

A major challenge in food optimization is the lack of individuals who possess both domain-specific knowledge about food and expertise in advanced technologies such as quantum computing.

To make these technologies more accessible to those interested in food-related issues, it is essential to lower psychological and practical barriers. Concrete steps include:

• Developing user-friendly interfaces
• Providing optimization tools that require no specialized knowledge
• Building cross-disciplinary collaboration platforms

Conclusion

Food optimization is a vital initiative that contributes to both enhancing individual health and satisfaction and solving societal issues such as food waste. With the help of cutting-edge technologies like quantum computing and machine learning, more advanced and effective optimization is becoming possible.

By lowering technical barriers and creating an environment where more people can participate in food optimization, we aim to contribute to the creation of a sustainable food ecosystem.