The National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) and the University of Edinburgh have announced the opening of a new Quantum Software Lab in the School of Informatics. This partnership aims to address challenges in accelerating the development of quantum computing and exploring the potential of quantum computers beyond traditional computing capabilities. The signing of the memorandum of understanding highlights the importance of collaboration between academia and industry to advance quantum technology and bring it to practical use.
The Lab, led by the NQCC Chief Scientist Professor Elham Kashefi, will focus on developing new quantum software through a core program called the Quantum Advantage Pathfinder. Researchers at the Lab will work closely with industry partners to understand how quantum computing can solve their problems. In addition to conducting pioneering research, the Lab will offer expertise and education to advance quantum computing applications.
With its expertise and education, the Lab can offer valuable support to industry partners in understanding how quantum computers can help address their problems. By advancing scientific research, the Lab seeks to enable new applications that can inspire new research directions, unlocking the full potential of quantum computing.
Quantum Software Lab at Edinburgh to Accelerate Research on Quantum Computing and Its Potential Applications
The establishment of the Quantum Software Lab at Edinburgh in partnership with the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) represents a significant step towards advancing the development of quantum computing and investigating its potential applications. With a focus on quantum software research, the Lab aims to develop the necessary tools for identifying and demonstrating quantum advantage in a reproducible and provable way for specific practical applications.
Moreover, the Lab supports the NQCC’s user engagement program, SparQ, which aims to grow the UK’s developer and user communities by supporting potential users of quantum computing on their journey from awareness to advocacy.
Quantum Software Lab’s QAP Aims to Tackle Industry Pain Points with Pioneering Research
The Quantum Software Lab’s Quantum Advantage Pathfinder (QAP) is a multi-disciplinary initiative led by the NQCC Chief Scientist and a research team consisting of physicists, mathematicians, engineers, and computer scientists. The QAP’s mission is to develop a framework that investigates practical ways of using quantum computing to solve problems beyond the reach of classical computing.
The Lab will collaborate with the government, industry, and other academics working on quantum to ensure that the solutions they develop meet the needs of our economy and society. Additionally, the Lab aims to help establish a trusted independent quantum software community as part of the NQCC to empower all stakeholders in the adoption of quantum computing.
“I am delighted that the NQCC is partnering with the University to establish the new Quantum Software Lab at Edinburgh. This joint endeavour will create a core research capability to address some of the key challenges in developing quantum software, paving the way towards practical applications of quantum computing that can have a real impact on the industry”.
NQCC Director, Dr Michael Cuthbert
The Lab will conduct pioneering research to expand the pillars of research, including the mathematical foundations of quantum information, quantum algorithms, and architectural design.
The QAP will serve as the foundation for follow-up phases of the NQCC program in quantum software and applications in the years to come. It will also aid in the development of the first fully functional quantum computing cloud platforms in the UK, positioning the country as a leader in quantum computing research and development.
“In the year the University of Edinburgh marks six decades at the forefront of computer science and artificial intelligence research, we are delighted to partner with the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC). That the NQCC’s first software lab has been established here at the University is hugely significant, and is indicative of the calibre of quantum researchers in our School of Informatics. Together, I hope we can play a significant role in the development and delivery of emerging quantum technologies.”
Professor Sir Peter Mathieson, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh
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