Fujitsu Limited has partnered with The Australian National University (ANU) to establish a center for quantum research, aiming to build an onsite quantum computer in Australia. This collaboration aligns with Australia’s National Quantum Strategy to invest in and grow the country’s quantum research and industry. Graeme Beardsell, CEO of Fujitsu Oceania, emphasized that this partnership puts them at the forefront of developing the world’s first fault-tolerant quantum computer.
As part of the collaboration, ANU researchers will gain access to Fujitsu’s quantum systems and simulators in Japan. The partnership also plans to release a 256-qubit quantum computer in March 2025 and a 1000-qubit quantum computer in fiscal year 2026. Professor Lachlan Blackhall, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of ANU, expressed excitement about the collaboration, which will help foster the growth of a talented pool of quantum computing professionals in Australia.
Quantum Computing in Australia: A New Era of Innovation
The Australian National University (ANU) and Fujitsu Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a center for quantum research, with the goal of building an onsite quantum computer. This partnership aims to provide industry and government professionals, researchers, academics, and students in Australia with access to world-class quantum computing facilities.
The MoU aligns with Australia’s National Quantum Strategy, which seeks to invest in, connect, and grow Australia’s quantum research and industry to compete with the best in the world. Fujitsu’s investment in quantum research, coupled with strategic collaborations like this one, positions the company at the forefront of the global race to develop the world’s first fault-tolerant quantum computer.
Unlocking Innovation through Collaboration
The partnership between ANU and Fujitsu will facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing between researchers, academics, and industry professionals. Fujitsu will provide ANU with access to its quantum systems and simulators in Japan, enabling researchers to leverage cutting-edge technology to drive innovation. In return, ANU will develop teaching and training modules based on Fujitsu’s quantum technologies, further informing the approach to research into quantum computing.
This collaboration is not just about developing new technologies; it’s also about fostering a global network of brilliant minds focused on developing technology for good. By sharing knowledge and expertise, the partnership aims to unlock the next wave of innovation in quantum computing.
On-Site Quantum Computer Ambitions
A key aspect of the collaboration is the establishment of an onsite quantum computer at ANU. This will provide Australian professionals with access to local emerging technologies, enabling them to conduct advanced research in fields such as cryptography, material science, and quantum simulations. The onsite quantum computer will help develop expertise in quantum computers among local researchers, government, and industry professionals.
Fujitsu has developed a range of quantum technologies and expertise, including a hybrid quantum computing platform that combines a 64-qubit superconducting quantum computer with a quantum simulator. This platform addresses the issue of quantum bit errors in current quantum computers by using an AI-based software that enables optimal computing.
The company is also actively developing new algorithms for chemistry calculations, financial systems, and drug discovery. Furthermore, Japan’s national Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) has ordered a gate-based superconducting quantum computer system from Fujitsu, designed to scale to hundreds of qubits.
The partnership between ANU and Fujitsu marks an exciting new era for quantum computing in Australia. By providing access to world-class facilities and expertise, the collaboration aims to foster the growth of a talented pool of quantum computing professionals in the country. This will help drive innovation and unlock the incredible potential of research in quantum computing, with applications in fields such as cryptography, material science, and quantum simulations.
As Professor Lachlan Blackhall, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) at ANU, noted, “This collaboration with Fujitsu complements and builds on the ANU mission to further higher education on emerging technologies including quantum computing.” The partnership promises to build on the university’s strengths in quantum optical physics and quantum algorithms, helping to grow the nation’s commitment to fundamental quantum physics.
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