BW Digital and the National University of Singapore’s College of Design and Engineering are collaborating on a research project to engineer the infrastructure needed for future quantum computers in Southeast Asia. The partners announced at DCD>Connect | APAC in Bali that they will define a “minimum viable infrastructure envelope” for integrating quantum and classical computing within the next 18 months, a short timeframe considering the technological complexities. Research will specifically address structural design, thermal management, cryogenic systems, and power requirements, recognizing the need to fundamentally rethink data center fundamentals. “Quantum computing infrastructure is becoming an increasingly relevant focus for the data center industry,” said Florent Blot, Chief Business Officer at BW Digital, and operators must begin preparing for future compatibility as AI, high-performance computing, and quantum systems converge.
BW Digital and NUS Launch Quantum Data Centre Research
This collaboration occurs as quantum computing infrastructure gains prominence within the data center sector, prompting BW Digital to deepen its involvement with Singapore’s expanding AI and quantum research and bolster investments in future-proof digital infrastructure. A key focus will be assessing how the humid tropical environments of locations like Singapore and Batam pose unique challenges for maintaining stable quantum systems, particularly regarding humidity control, heat dissipation, vibration isolation, and electromagnetic interference. Researchers from both organizations will evaluate deployment strategies, develop readiness assessments, and define infrastructure zoning to support future hybrid AI-quantum workloads across Southeast Asia, while also creating an operator playbook to guide BW Digital’s site selection and vendor engagement. Professor Lee Poh Seng, Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, stated that this collaboration with BW Digital allows them to bridge academic research with real-world infrastructure development, and to help define practical engineering requirements and operational frameworks for quantum-ready facilities in tropical environments.
The convergence of artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, and quantum systems is rapidly reshaping data center demands, but deploying these technologies in Southeast Asia’s tropical climates presents distinct engineering hurdles. This partnership, announced at DCD>Connect | APAC in Bali, recognizes that traditional data center designs may prove inadequate for the sensitive requirements of quantum systems.
Quantum computing infrastructure is becoming an increasingly relevant focus for the data centre industry.
Florent Blot, Chief Business Officer, BW Digital
The collaboration extends beyond immediate technical challenges, with both organizations committed to building regional expertise and establishing infrastructure reference architectures. Professor Lee Poh Seng explains that future competitiveness will depend not only on capacity, connectivity and energy efficiency, but also on readiness for emerging advanced technologies such as quantum computing, highlighting the strategic importance of this initiative for Southeast Asia’s digital future.
As Southeast Asia continues to grow as a strategic digital infrastructure hub, future competitiveness will depend not only on capacity, connectivity and energy efficiency, but also on readiness for emerging advanced technologies such as quantum computing.
Professor Lee Poh Seng, Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore
