Australian quantum technology companies Q-CTRL and Diraq are partnering on three multi-million-dollar projects to expand the commercial adoption of quantum computing. The projects are funded by the NSW Office of the Chief Scientist and Engineer’s Quantum Computing Commercialisation Fund and the U.S. Army Research Office. Diraq will develop its Silicon quantum computing hardware, while Q-CTRL will integrate its quantum infrastructure software.
The partnership aims to deliver Australia’s first cloud-accessible silicon quantum processor. The CEOs of both companies, Michael Biercuk of Q-CTRL and Andrew Dzurak of Diraq, are recognised pioneers in their technical specialties.
Australian Quantum Technology Companies Partner for International Projects
Two Australian quantum technology companies, Q-CTRL and Diraq, have announced a partnership to work on three projects aimed at expanding the commercial adoption of quantum computing. These projects are funded by the US and Australian governments. This partnership marks the first phase of a collaboration expected to deliver new quantum computing capabilities to the global market.
Q-CTRL specialises in developing quantum technologies through quantum control infrastructure software, while Diraq is an innovator in Silicon-based quantum computing. The two companies will share responsibilities on the projects. Diraq will develop and provide access to its Silicon quantum computing hardware, and Q-CTRL will build and integrate its quantum infrastructure software solutions to maximise the value derived from the hardware.
Quantum Technology Projects and Funding
The three projects that Q-CTRL and Diraq will deliver together are funded by the NSW Office of the Chief Scientist and Engineer’s Quantum Computing Commercialisation Fund (QCCF) and the U.S. Army Research Office. These projects aim to increase the commercial and technological readiness of quantum computing technologies to support long-term commercial activities.
The projects shared between Diraq and Q-CTRL will help deliver Australia’s first cloud-accessible silicon quantum processor. This technology is expected to provide cutting-edge capabilities to Australia’s financial services sector. The Quantum Computing Commercialisation Fund is an initiative from New South Wales to empower Australian quantum computing hardware and software companies.
Australia’s Role in the Global Quantum Technology Industry
Australia is playing a significant role in the global quantum technology industry. Diraq’s hardware is constructed using a novel technology known as spins in silicon, offering scalability in the number of qubits to the many millions, and ultimately billions per chip. Q-CTRL is focused on developing quantum infrastructure software to improve the utility and performance of quantum hardware.
The Australian quantum ecosystem is flourishing, and with the recently announced National Quantum Strategy, the Government has taken steps to be an active supporter in growing the industry. The partnership between Diraq and Q-CTRL is a testament to this commitment.
Collaboration with the US Army Research Office
Australian companies and University teams have a history of engagement with the US Army Research Office in support of quantum computing capability development. In the current project led by Diraq, the two teams will focus on developing novel techniques to operate and optimise next-generation Silicon quantum processors. The ARO R&D program now aligns with quantum technology initiatives supported under the trilateral AUKUS agreement’s Pillar II.
Diraq is a global innovator in building quantum processors using silicon ‘quantum dot’ technology. It aims to revolutionise full-stack quantum computing by driving qubit numbers on a single chip to the many millions, and ultimately billions needed for useful commercial applications.
Q-CTRL’s quantum control infrastructure software delivers high-performance error-correcting and suppressing techniques globally. It provides a unique capability accelerating the pathway to the first useful quantum computers and quantum sensors. Q-CTRL operates a globally leading quantum sensing division focused on software-level innovation for strategic capability.
“The partnership between Diraq and Q-CTRL exemplifies our shared commitment to driving the next era of innovation in the quantum computing industry, both locally in Australia and globally,” said Diraq CEO and Founder, Andrew Dzurak. “We are delighted to collaborate with Q-CTRL, leveraging our specialised areas of expertise to jointly drive successful outcomes across these transformative projects.”
“It’s exciting to see Australia’s two leading quantum computing companies collaborating to deliver true sovereign capability in one of the most profound technical fields of the century,” said Q-CTRL CEO and Founder, Michael Biercuk. “We’re thrilled to be helping accelerate the work of our friends at Diraq, and ensuring these powerful new systems deliver value broadly across the Australian and global economies.”
Summary
Australian quantum technology companies, Q-CTRL and Diraq, are collaborating on three projects funded by the US and Australian governments to expand the commercial use of quantum computing. The projects aim to deliver Australia’s first cloud-accessible silicon quantum processor and enhance quantum computing capabilities in the country’s financial services sector.
- Australian quantum technology companies Q-CTRL and Diraq are partnering on three multi-million-dollar projects to expand the commercial adoption of quantum computing.
- The projects are funded by the NSW Office of the Chief Scientist and Engineer’s Quantum Computing Commercialisation Fund (QCCF) and the U.S. Army Research Office.
- Diraq will develop and provide access to its Silicon quantum computing hardware, while Q-CTRL will build and integrate its quantum infrastructure software solutions.
- The partnership aims to deliver Australia’s first cloud-accessible silicon quantum processor and provide cutting-edge capabilities to Australia’s financial services sector.
- The projects are part of the Australian government’s National Quantum Strategy to grow the quantum technology industry.
- The CEOs of both companies, Michael Biercuk of Q-CTRL and Andrew Dzurak of Diraq, are recognised pioneers in their technical specialities.
- Diraq’s hardware uses a novel technology known as spins in silicon, which offers scalability in the number of qubits to the many millions and ultimately billions per chip.
- Q-CTRL is focused on developing quantum infrastructure software to improve the utility and performance of quantum hardware.
- The partnership aligns with quantum technology initiatives supported under the trilateral AUKUS agreement’s Pillar II, aimed at enhancing capabilities and interoperability with a focus on cyber capabilities, AI, quantum technologies and undersea capabilities.