QuEra Computing, which is developing neutral-atom quantum computers, is set to build one of the world’s most advanced quantum computing testbeds at the UK’s National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC). The project, supported by the Small Business Research Initiative, will focus on qubit shuttling and error correction, overcoming a major hurdle in quantum computing. The testbed is expected to be operational by early 2025. Alex Keesling, CEO of QuEra, believes this will give the UK a significant first-mover advantage in quantum computing. The project will also introduce key innovations, benefiting UK-based quantum researchers and software developers.
QuEra to Establish Advanced Quantum Computing Testbed in the UK
QuEra Computing, a company specializing in neutral-atom quantum computers, has revealed plans to set up a highly sophisticated quantum computing testbed at the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) in Harwell, Oxfordshire, UK. This project, funded by the NQCC and supported by the Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) framework, will be executed in collaboration with UK-based partners.
The proposed testbed will leverage the recent scientific advancement of ‘logical qubits’ for detecting and correcting errors inherent in quantum calculations. A crucial aspect of this process is qubit shuttling, which allows qubits to move while maintaining their quantum state and facilitates the entanglement of nearby qubits. This development is expected to overcome a significant hurdle in achieving scalable, practical quantum computers and ultimately realizing quantum advantage.
First Qubit Shuttling and Error Correction Testbed
The UK is set to host the world’s first qubit shuttling and error correction testbed. QuEra plans to commence work on its testbed for the NQCC soon, with the expectation of it becoming operational in early 2025.
Alex Keesling, CEO of QuEra Computing, emphasized the importance of building quantum computers at scale, with modest operating requirements and fault tolerance. He highlighted the potential of logical qubits and neutral-atom processors to surpass the 100 logical qubit scale in the coming years. The UKRI and NQCC’s recognition of this approach could provide the UK with a significant early advantage and the opportunity to enhance and prepare its quantum industries for the future.
Accelerating the Development of UK’s Quantum Computing Capabilities
Dr. Michael Cuthbert, NQCC‘s Director, expressed the center’s aim to expedite the development of the UK’s quantum computing capabilities and infrastructure. He stressed the need for quantum developers to have access to the hardware to engineer scalable solutions for a full-stack quantum computer. The system-level prototypes, once built, will assist the NQCC and its collaborators in understanding the unique characteristics of different hardware approaches, establishing appropriate metrics for each qubit architecture, and exploring the types of applications that benefit most from each technological approach.
Key Innovations to Enhance UK Quantum Industry
QuEra plans to introduce several key innovations into the testbed at NQCC, deploying a significantly more advanced dynamic processing architecture than existing quantum systems. This initiative will benefit UK-based quantum researchers and software developers by providing them with the opportunity to explore and optimize this unique architecture. It will also enable vendors to refine hardware that is essential to the supply chain for neutral atom processors, currently considered a promising solution for developing scalable, fault-tolerant computers.
QuEra Computing, based in Boston, specializes in commercializing quantum computers using neutral atoms—a quantum modality with high potential. The company operates the world’s largest publicly accessible quantum computer, available over a major public cloud and for on-premises delivery. QuEra is developing large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers to tackle classically intractable problems. For more information, visit quera.com and follow them on Twitter or LinkedIn.