Fujitsu, ANU to Establish Quantum Research Facility in Australia

This article originally appeared in IoT World Today.

Fujitsu Australia and The Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra have agreed to establish a center for quantum research and plan to build an onsite quantum computer.

Under a memorandum of understanding between the organizations, Fujitsu plans to work with ANU to explore how quantum technologies could benefit local organizations and the global community.

It supports the stated aim of Australia’s National Quantum Strategy to “invest in, connect and grow Australia’s quantum research and industry to compete with the world’s best.”

“Our investment in quantum research, coupled with strategic collaborations including with ANU, puts us at the forefront of the global race to develop the world's first fault-tolerant quantum computer,” said Fujitsu executive vice president and Oceania CEO Graeme Beardsell.

“Australia's commitment to quantum leadership is clear, and Fujitsu is playing our part. We're not just developing these technologies; we're sharing them, fostering collaboration, and believing that the next quantum breakthrough will come from a global, connected network of brilliant minds who are focused on developing technology for good.”

Fujitsu plans to provide ANU researchers and academics with access to Fujitsu’s quantum systems and simulators in Japan, including the 256-qubit quantum computer Fujitsu and Riken plan to release in March 2025. A 10,000-qubit quantum computer is set to follow in 2026.

Related:The Race for Exascale: A Recent History of the World’s Fastest Supercomputers

The partners also aim to set up an on-site quantum computer at ANU to help local users develop quantum computing expertise and conduct research into cryptography, material science, and quantum simulation.

ANU also plans to develop teaching and training modules using Fujitsu’s quantum technologies to direct its approach to quantum computing research.

“This collaboration with Fujitsu complements and builds on the ANU mission to further higher education on emerging technologies including quantum computing and will help to foster the growth of a talented pool of quantum computing professionals in Australia,” said ANU deputy vice chancellor Professor Lachlan Blackhall.

“ANU is excited to see this collaboration with Fujitsu, which promises to build on the University’s strengths in quantum optical physics and quantum algorithms. More broadly, this dynamic collaboration and the work taking place as part of it will help grow the nation’s commitment to fundamental quantum physics, which is absolutely vital if we are to harness the incredible potential of research and apply it to real-world opportunities for the quantum world.”

Related:Quantum Computing Could Deliver 'Next Global Shock' – WEF