PsiQuantum, a company focused on building and deploying quantum computers, has announced a collaboration with the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s (STFC) Hartree Centre in the UK. The collaboration, supported by the National Security Strategic Investment Fund, aims to develop Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computing (FTQC) applications over a 12-month period. The insights gained from this project will be shared with the government and industry partners.
PsiQuantum’s advanced R&D facility at the STFC’s Daresbury Laboratory is equipped with one of Europe’s largest cryogenic plants, allowing the company to develop next-generation cryogenic quantum modules with the highest cooling power to date. These modules are a crucial component in building large-scale quantum computers capable of solving commercially relevant problems. PsiQuantum’s first cryogenic quantum modules are already in operation, with a capacity ten times greater than previous systems.
The development of fault-tolerant quantum computers is expected to trigger a major transformation across various industries, including healthcare, sustainability, financial services, and defense. It is estimated that the value at stake globally could reach US$1 trillion. Access to FTQC capacity will be limited and in high demand, offering significant competitive advantages to early adopters.
The collaboration between PsiQuantum and the Hartree Centre has three main objectives. Firstly, it aims to build a strong knowledge base on FTQC at the Hartree Centre. Secondly, it aims to identify valuable and high-impact problem statements for government and industry. And finally, it aims to develop algorithms that will underpin two high-priority applications.
The project will involve FTQC training at the Hartree Centre to develop the necessary skills, thematic workshops to address computational challenges, and two industrially-relevant use cases. The collaboration combines the Hartree Centre’s expertise in applications with PsiQuantum’s deep technical experience in FTQC algorithm development.
The UK government has shown its support for the development of quantum technologies, with the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology stating that the government is determined to drive the adoption of quantum technologies throughout the economy. The government has committed £2.5 billion in funding over the next 10 years to unlock the potential of quantum technologies in various sectors.
The Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, where the STFC’s Daresbury Laboratory is located, expressed his excitement about the partnership and its potential to attract highly skilled jobs and opportunities to the region. He envisions the Liverpool City Region becoming a hotbed of innovation and new technology.
PsiQuantum’s Chief Technologist highlighted the importance of the collaboration with the Hartree Centre and emphasized that it will advance the understanding and application of FTQC in the UK. The Director of the Hartree Centre highlighted the positive impact that quantum computing could have on various industries and expressed excitement about the collaboration, which will ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of quantum technologies.
Overall, the collaboration between PsiQuantum and the Hartree Centre represents an important step in the development of fault-tolerant quantum computing applications in the UK. With the support of the government and industry partners, this collaboration has the potential to drive innovation and transform various industries with the advent of large-scale quantum computers.