The Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence in Quantum Computation and Communication Technology (CQC2T) at UNSW Sydney was officially launched today by Mr Jason Falinski MP, receiving $33.7 million in federal funding to continue its development of the world’s first quantum computer in silicon.
The CQC2T is an international collaboration between seven Australian universities and more than 25 partners to form one of the largest combined efforts in quantum computation and communication research in the world.
The centre, led by 2018 Australian of the Year Professor Michelle Simmons, is a global leader in quantum computing research developing quantum processes in silicon and optical platforms that will be linked over secure communication networks.
“Our exceptional team of researchers in Australia are delivering world leading quantum information research. Our research and partnerships have put us in pole position to drive an industry that will shape the information economy of the 21st century,” said Professor Simmons, Director of the CQC2T, at the launch today.
“At the very forefront of what humans have achieved to date, our research achievements and strong global collaborations, have put us in pole position to drive an industry that will shape the information economy of the 21st century.”
Funded by the Australian Research Council since 2000, the centre now holds 200 researchers and has nodes at the University of Melbourne, Australian ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ University, RMIT University, University of Technology, Sydney, University of Queensland and Griffith University.
In addition to announcing major breakthroughs in the atomically precise 3D architectures for a large-scale silicon quantum computer, the centre has announced the development of the next generation of photonic microchips that will be the key to developing large-scale photonic quantum computer.
Researchers at the centre are now proposing to implement quantum processors able to run error corrected algorithms and transfer information across networks with absolute security. The technology developed will provide a strategic advantage in a world where information and information security are of paramount importance
At today’s launch Professor Simmons, Director of the CQC2T, emphasised the centre’s research achievements and strong global collaborations.
“Australia has firmly established itself as a global leader in this 21st century technology.
“$33.7 million in funding will enable UNSW to continue to build on its world-leading research to develop complex quantum processors that correct errors and transfer information across vast networks with absolute security,” Mr Falinski said.
UNSW President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Jacobs said the CQC2T researchers are working at the forefront of quantum information technology and innovation which will lead to significant impacts across the global economy.
“Quantum computing not only has the potential to completely revolutionise the way many of us will work but could create jobs and even new industries we haven’t even imagined yet,” Professor Jacobs said.
“We applaud the ARC’s recognition of CQC2T as a fine example of Australia’s truly world-leading research.”
