Professor Michael J. Biercuk, a pioneer in quantum technology, has been awarded the 2024 NSW Pearcey Entrepreneur of the Year Award for his groundbreaking work in building the greenfield quantum technology industry. As the founder and CEO of Q-CTRL, a global business leading the development of quantum infrastructure software, Biercuk has made significant strides in accelerating the pathway to the world’s first useful quantum computers. With 130 employees globally and $168 million in funding, Q-CTRL is surpassing benchmarks for practical quantum applications.
Biercuk, a professor of Quantum Physics and Quantum Technology at the University of Sydney, was recognized for his risk-taking venture in a nascent industry and his advocacy for Australia’s role in the quantum field. His educational efforts, including Q-CTRL’s Black Opal interactive online learning platform, have made quantum computing accessible to everyone. The award was presented by Mark Englund, the 2022 NSW award recipient, at a special Pearcey Foundation event in Sydney.
Quantum Pioneer Prof Michael J. Biercuk PhD Wins 2024 NSW Pearcey Entrepreneur of the Year Award
The 2024 NSW Pearcey Entrepreneur of the Year Award has been presented to quantum technology pioneer Prof Michael J. Biercuk PhD, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the field of quantum computing and his entrepreneurial spirit in building a global business from scratch.
Prof Biercuk is a renowned expert in quantum technology and serves as professor of Quantum Physics and Quantum Technology at the University of Sydney. In 2017, he founded Q-CTRL, a company dedicated to helping researchers realize the true potential of quantum hardware, from quantum sensing to quantum computing. The company has made significant strides in reducing hardware errors caused by environmental ‘noise,’ a major obstacle in the development of useful quantum computers.
Under Prof Biercuk’s leadership, Q-CTRL has grown exponentially, with 130 employees globally and securing $168 million in funding. The company has opened offices in the U.S., Germany, and the U.K., cementing its position as a global leader in the development of quantum infrastructure software.
A Risk-Taker and Inspiration to Others
Benjamin Chong, partner at Right Click Capital and chair of the NSW Pearcey judging committee, praised Prof Biercuk’s entrepreneurial spirit, saying, “Michael took a risk in founding Q-CTRL, a risky venture in a nascent industry. He is also an inspiration to his peers as an advocate for Australia’s role in the quantum field and through his educational efforts to make quantum computing accessible to everyone.”
The Pearcey NSW Entrepreneur Award is presented to an outstanding individual who has “taken a risk, made a difference, and is an inspiration to others” in the NSW ICT industry. The selection process involves nominations from the public and the Pearcey Foundation network, with past award recipients consulted to ensure the continued integrity and quality of this peer-based recognition.
A Global Expert in Quantum Technology
Prof Biercuk completed his master’s degree and Ph.D. in physics at Harvard University and his undergraduate degree at the University of Pennsylvania. He held a research fellowship in the Ion Storage Group at NIST Boulder and later served as a technical consultant to DARPA, helping steer government investments in quantum information and next-generation computer architectures.
Prof Biercuk is an accomplished communicator who can explain complex scientific concepts with clarity and authority. He has contributed to both technical literature and popular media, and is a TEDxSydney and SXSW speaking alumnus. His passion for mechanical watches has also led him to explore the connections between high horology and advanced research in quantum technology.
The Pearcey Event
The 2024 Pearcey NSW ICT Entrepreneur of the Year Award event was held on Wednesday, November 6, at the ASX Exchange Square in Sydney. The event recognized exceptional entrepreneurs who have showcased trailblazing innovation and impactful contributions and served as an inspiration in the technological sphere. Unfortunately, Prof Biercuk was overseas and couldn’t attend the event in person to accept the award, which was presented on his behalf by Dr Mark Englund, CEO and founder of FiberSense.
The event also featured a University Pitching competition showcasing rising stars in NSW. The sponsors for the event included ASX, The Next Generation, ACS, and Macquarie Government.
External Link: Click Here For More
