Scientists from around the world are meeting in Sydney to discuss the latest advancements in silicon quantum computing.
Scientists from around the world are landing in Sydney in mid-November to join discussions on the latest research in silicon quantum computing with renowned physicist and Australian of the Year, Professor Michelle Simmons, and UNSW Sydney researchers from the Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology.
Bringing together more than 200 leading researchers in the field, the Silicon Quantum Electronics workshop is a global initiative to share research insights and technology advancements in the race to build the world’s first quantum computer – in silicon.
This is the third time Sydney has been the host city of this international get-together, which is now in its twelfth year.
READ: Tiny camera lens may help link quantum computers to network
The 2018 workshop will be officially opened by the recently appointed NSW chief scientist and engineer, Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte.
NSW is heavily involved in quantum computing development, commercialisation and training, and is a shareholder in Australia’s first quantum computing hardware company, Silicon Quantum Computing.
“It is exciting to see NSW host an international forum that supports collaboration and research advancement in this groundbreaking field of science,” said Durrant-Whyte.
“It is a great opportunity to shine the light on world-leading Australian research and innovation in this space,” he said.
Five major approaches to quantum computing are being explored worldwide. The international researchers attending the workshop – from countries including Japan, USA and Netherlands – together with the Australian researchers, are focused on silicon emerging as the winner.
Silicon Quantum Computing founder, Professor Michelle Yvonne Simmons, said silicon is among the most stable and manufacturable environments in which to host qubits, and it has a long history of use in the conventional computer industry.
“This provides an advantage in the development of full-scale quantum computers in silicon.”
Simmons, along with others attending and speaking at the event, is working to build the first useful, commercial quantum computer.
Co-located with the Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology, Silicon Quantum Computing has raised $83 million and is investing to deliver a prototype 10-qubit device in silicon by 2022.