Nu Quantum and SoftwareQ are collaborating to develop the theoretical framework a first fault-tolerant quantum computer, sponsored by Innovate UK under the Canada UK Commercialising Quantum Technology Programme: CR&D and National Research Council of Canada under the Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP). The companies have received funding of $1.2 million USD and started the project in September 2023 which will run for two years. Led by Dr. Carmen Palacios-Berraquero and co-founded by Dr. Vlad Gheorghiu and Prof. Michele Mosca, the project aims to propose and benchmark practical architectural solutions, addressing the scalability challenge in quantum computing. Specific characteristics that will be studied as part of this program include:
- Different network topologies (graphs)
- System scale (qubits-per-node; number of nodes)
- Network performance (rate; loss)
- Applied Error Correction scheme(s)
Named Quarrefour, the project will quantify networking requirements, error correction schemes, and network performance metrics. By integrating advanced compiler technology into real-time firmware, the collaboration seeks to optimize quantum computing resources. Quarrefour demonstrates the commitment to advancing quantum technologies. Dr. Gheorghiu highlighted the collaboration’s potential to push the boundaries of quantum compiling and fault-tolerance, while Prof. Mosca emphasized the complementary strengths of the collaborators. Dr. Palacios-Berraquero expressed enthusiasm for guiding future development towards a fault-tolerant networked quantum computer. Sam Johnson, Head of Quantum Technologies at Innovate UK, praised Quarrefour as a significant initiative driving quantum technologies to market.
You can view the press release provided by Nu Quantum here. Another news announcement from SoftwareQ about this project can be seen here.
March 27, 2024