At the latest UK National Quantum Technologies Showcase event, one of the stands featured the brain behind Quokka, a quantum device that helps you learn quantum computing programming.
The puck-sized device, launched on Kickstarter, is now shipping. It lets anyone easily learn how to program a quantum computer.
Back in February, a new product named Quokka was unveiled at Quantum Australia in Sydney. This device is being touted as the first consumer product in quantum computing aimed at education. The Quokka is designed to be as user-friendly as any other smart device, making it a significant step towards increasing quantum literacy among the general public.
After a little bit of excitement that Chris was shipping an actual quantum device (not as crazy as you may think as SpinQ ships a desktop quantum computer). The device was actually a hardware quantum computer that could emulate a certain quantum computer, but not an actual quantum computer per-se.
Christopher Ferrie: The Visionary Behind Quokka
Christopher Ferrie, co-founder of Eigensystems and the creative force behind Quokka, is a physicist, mathematician, researcher, and celebrated author with a talent for making the complex world of quantum mechanics approachable.
Born in 1982 in Canada, Ferrie’s academic journey has been both rigorous and inspiring. He holds a BSc in mathematical physics, a master’s in applied mathematics, and a Ph.D. in applied mathematics from the University of Waterloo, where his research focused on the interplay of probability theory and quantum mechanics.
Ferrie’s career is a testament to his dedication to advancing quantum science. He honed his expertise during a postdoctoral fellowship at the Center for Quantum Information and Control at the University of New Mexico (2013–2014) and later as a research associate from 2015 to 2017.
Since 2017, Ferrie has been a senior lecturer at the Centre for Engineered Quantum Systems at the University of Technology Sydney, where he continues to shape the field of quantum computing.
Beyond his academic and research pursuits, Ferrie has made a remarkable impact in the realm of quantum education. He is the creator of the “Baby University” book series, which transforms intricate scientific concepts into engaging, accessible content for children. The series, including the highly acclaimed Quantum Physics for Babies, has gained widespread recognition, even earning citations in academic literature. With the launch of Quokka, Ferrie furthers his mission to bridge the gap between cutting-edge quantum science and public understanding, reinforcing his reputation as a trailblazer in both innovation and education.
What Is Quokka?
It is important to make quantum computing accessible to the general public. It can potentially revolutionize how we understand and interact with quantum concepts.
Quokka is your 30-qubit quantum computer emulator, used to learn and experiment with quantum coding. Quokka is a groundbreaking quantum computer emulator. It is designed to democratize quantum computing education. This transformative technology is made accessible to everyone.
Unlike conventional quantum simulators, Quokka faithfully emulates a 30-qubit fault-tolerant quantum computer as it might exist in the future. It provides a hands-on, realistic experience. This enables users to learn how to interact with quantum systems in a way that’s intuitive and practical. It bridges the gap between abstract theory and real-world applications.
Key Features
Authentic Emulation: Quokka mirrors how future quantum computers will operate, eschewing error-prone simulations of current devices. It provides a true-to-life experience, excluding internal state inspections to replicate the limitations of actual quantum hardware.
Accessible and Intuitive: Quokka allows users of all levels, from beginners to advanced learners, to engage with quantum computing. It includes multiple interfaces, such as a circuit builder and an embedded Jupyter notebook. There is also a block-based programming tool inspired by Scratch. This makes quantum programming approachable for younger audiences and educators.
Comprehensive Education Platform: The Quokka Quantum literacy platform offers tiered learning paths:
- Quokka Basic: Hands-on programming tools for beginners and experts alike.
- Quokka Advanced: A vast library of lessons, tutorials, and collaborative projects covering topics from beginner to graduate-level quantum programming.
- Quokka Stories: Engaging, narrative-driven lessons that integrate STEM education with real-world applications of quantum concepts.
Why Quokka?
Quokka is more than an emulator—it’s a tool for fostering quantum literacy. It offers a tactile, immersive learning experience. This approach demystifies the complexities of quantum computing. It empowers students, educators, and enthusiasts to explore its potential. Quantum computing promises revolutionary advancements in fields like finance, logistics, and cryptography. Quokka positions itself as an essential tool for preparing the next generation of innovators.
Proven Success
Quokka has already proven effective in educational settings. Since 2022, professors have used it to teach quantum computing to undergraduate and graduate students, running over a million quantum programs. Institutions around the world, from Finland’s Aalto University to New Zealand’s Yoobee College, have adopted Quokka for their curricula.
Looking Ahead
Quokka’s creators, Christopher Ferrie and Simon Devitt, are on a mission to make quantum computing education universally accessible. With production set to begin in 2024, Quokka aims to combine cutting-edge technology with a forward-thinking educational platform, ensuring its impact resonates globally.
Quokka isn’t just a device; it’s a gateway to understanding the future of computation.
Check out more here.
