A Quantum Leap into the Future

Origin and Evolution of Quantum Computing

Quantum computing had its origins in the early 1980s when physicist Richard Feynman and computer scientist David Deutsch laid the theoretical groundwork for quantum computers.The concept of quantum bits or qubits, the fundamental units of quantum information, was introduced. Unlike classical bits that can exist in a state of 0 or 1, qubits can exist in multiple states simultaneously due to the principles of superposition and entanglement.

In the 1990s, Expanding upon the findings -

• Peter Shor introduced algorithms that targeted breaking the prevalent RSA and Diffie–Hellman encryption protocols, garnering considerable interest in the realm of quantum computing.

• Subsequently, Grover's algorithm showcased a quantum acceleration for the broadly relevant unstructured search problem.

• Concurrently, Seth Lloyd demonstrated that quantum computers could simulate quantum systems without the exponential overhead inherent in classical simulations.

Over the years, researchers made significant strides in constructed small-scale developing quantum computer using superconductors. In 1998, a two-qubit quantum computer demonstrated the feasibility of the technology, and subsequent experiments have increased the number of qubits and reduced error rates.

In 2019, Google AI and NASA made a statement that they had achieved quantum supermacy with a 54-qubit machine, performing a computation that is impossible for any classical computer which is still active in research.

Evolution of Quantum Computing Initiatives in Australia

Australia has a strong history in quantum technology, standing at the forefront of research and development. Numerous companies, universities and research institutions alongside collaborations with global quantum leaders, are contributing to the growth of quantum computing capabilities in the country. Charting the Australian quantum landscape, a research paper published in 2019, states that Australia has more than two decades of support for quantum engineering, science, and technology has paved the way for significant scientific outputs and exciting translation efforts.

With this, Australian Research Council supports four national Centres of Excellence in quantum technology — the Centres for Engineered Quantum Science (EQUS), Exciton Science, Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies (FLEET), and Quantum Computation and Communication Technology (CQC2T).

The ARC Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology, funded by the Australian Government is a clear example of where the country is heading in terms of a roadmap. It stands as a well as a trusted authority in the industry.

Quantum Computing Companies in Australia

Silicon Quantum Computing : 

• Led by Professor Michelle Simmons, Silicon Quantum Computing was established in 2017. It is a collaborative venture with ownership shared among the Australian Commonwealth Government, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Telstra, UNSW Sydney, and the NSW State Government. The organization conducts its operations from newly established laboratories situated within Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology (CQC2T) headquarters at UNSW in Sydney, Australia.

• The primary objective of company is to develop a silicon quantum computer and aiming to raise the potential of quantum computing for the betterment of humanity. This involves developing and utilising advanced technologies in ways that enhance lives, prioritise human-centred applications, and contribute to transformative global impacts.

  
  

Q-CTRL : 

• Established in 2017, founded by Michael Biercuk, a Professor of Quantum Physics at the University of Sydney. This Australian Quantum Computing enterprise is dedicated to advancing and implementing quantum computers using hardware control solutions for quantum technology.

• Their objective is to develop a comprehensive control system, enabling precise management of a machine's movements across all axes continuously. By leveraging control mechanisms, the company addresses the most difficult challenges in quantum technology, enhancing hardware performance and speeding the development of practical quantum computers and other technologies.

• This company distinguished as the world's first platform for developing, controlling, and identifying errors in quantum systems, employing distinctive suite of data-driven tools. These tools empower any business interested in quantum computing to harness its capabilities effectively.

  
  

Quantum Brilliance :

• Quantum Brilliance, founded in 2019, is a venture-based quantum products and solutions firm that based on producing diamond quantum computers accompanied by software and apps. It's mission is to facilitate the widespread adoption of quantum technology, order to accelerate the integration of edge computing applications and next-generation supercomputers across industries.

• A notable achievement by the company includes the development of RT (Room Temperature) Quantum Computers, a breakthrough led by researchers from the Australian National University (ANU).

• Quantum Brilliance is dedicated to surpassing the capabilities of classical processors in terms of size, weight, and power, aiming to make quantum computing a viable reality sooner than other developers.

  
  

Quintessence Labs :

• Founded in 2008 by Vikram Sharma and provides services in quantum-based random number generator, a high-performance, interoperable key and policy manager along with other solutions.

• QuintessenceLabs leads the way in quantum cybersecurity, delivering robust data protection to safeguard your information against present and future threats. Their experties extend from quantum key generation and crypto-agile key management through to quantum key distribution, assisting you in establishing a quantum-safe future for your organisation.

  
  

Diraq :

• Based in Sydney, Australia, the quantum startup Diraq emerged in May 2022 from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) associated with Silicon Quantum Computing’s SiMOS technology. The founder, Andrew Dzurak, is a professor at UNSW Sydney.

• Diraq's primary focus is on developing fault-tolerant quantum computers. Their patented SiMOS qubits are equivalent in size to contemporary transistors and share the same manufacturing process.

• Diraq has successfully developed the fundamental intellectual property (IP) for quantum computing hardware, enabling scalable manufacturing within existing silicon chip manufacturing facilities. This breakthrough allows for the creation of highly efficient and densely packed quantum processor stacks, comparable in size to a single server rack commonly utilised in cloud computing infrastructure.

  
  

Quantum Computing Research Centres in Australia

Several universities in Australia have been actively involved in quantum computing research. These are:

• University of Sydney:

  The university has a Quantum Control Laboratory and is involved in various quantum research initiatives.

• University of Melbourne: 

  The university is home to the Centre for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology (CQC2T), which is a leading research centre in the field.

• University of New South Wales (UNSW):

  UNSW hosts the Centre for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology (CQC2T) and Fundamental Quantum Technology Lab that conducts a wide range of research on spin systems in silicon, with a special emphasis on quantum computing.

• Australian National University (ANU):

  ANU has a Quantum Science and Technology group that conducts research in quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum information.

• University of Queensland (UQ): 

  UQ has been actively involved in quantum research, particularly through the ARC Centre for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology.

• University of Technology Sydney (UTS): 

  UTS has a Quantum Programming Laboratory and is engaged in quantum computing research.

• Griffith University:

  Griffith has a Quantum Technology Research Centre focusing on quantum communication and quantum technologies.

• University of Western Australia (UWA): 

  UWA is involved in quantum research, including areas like quantum sensing and quantum information processing.

  
  

Visioning Australia a six billion-dollar opportunity by 2045

Commercialising quantum technologies could generate a $2.2 billion Australian industry with 8,700 jobs by 2030, rising to nearly $6 billion and 19,400 jobs by 2045. Australia, with world-class quantum research capabilities, is establishing a quantum technology industry driven by expertise and intellectual property from its research institutions.

The potential quantum technology opportunity for Australia is projected to be $2.2 billion by 2030 and almost $6 billion by 2045. To secure a significant role in the global quantum industry, Australia must act swiftly as other nations invest heavily in their quantum ecosystems. With adequate support, CSIRO envisions Australia maintaining global competitiveness in quantum technology R&D and fostering a thriving quantum technology industry by 2040.

Groundbreaking Applications

1. Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals:

   Quantum computing holds the promise of revolutionising drug discovery and molecular modelling. The ability to simulate complex molecular interactions at a quantum level could significantly expedite the development of new drugs and therapeutic solutions.
   

2. Finance and Banking:

   In the financial sector, quantum computing could revolutionise risk assessment, portfolio optimisation, and the development of advanced algorithms for trading. The speed and efficiency of quantum computers may lead to more robust and secure financial transactions.
   

3. Logistics and Supply Chain:

   Quantum computing's optimisation capabilities could enhance logistics and supply chain management, addressing complex routing problems, inventory optimisation, and real-time demand forecasting.
   

4. Cybersecurity:

   While quantum computing poses a threat to traditional encryption methods, it also offers solutions through quantum-resistant cryptographic techniques. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) could provide a secure means of communication, safeguarding data against quantum attacks.

Conclusion

Quantum computing, with its origins rooted in theoretical physics, has emerged as a tangible force with profound implications for Australia's industries. From healthcare to finance, logistics to cybersecurity, the impact of quantum computing is both expansive and transformative. The journey from theoretical musings to quantum supremacy has set the stage for a future where the balance between positive advancements and potential challenges must be carefully navigated. As Australia continues its quantum leap, the nation stands at the forefront of an era where the quantum promises to reshape the very fabric of technological possibilities.