Quantum computing

Xanadu and Rolls- Royce join forces with PennyLane to build new quantum computing tools

Canadian quantum company Xanadu and Rolls-Royce are co-developing new quantum algorithm tooling for PennyLane, a cross-platform Python library for the differentiable programming of quantum computers. This collaboration aims to train a quantum computer similarly to a neural network. The first project will develop quantum software functionality tailored for Quantum Singular Value Transformation to help Rolls-Royce accelerate its research into quantum algorithms for aerospace applications.

Research reveals new spin control method that could enable billion-qubit quantum chips

Researchers at Australia’s University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) have discovered a new way of controlling single electrons in quantum dots (tiny nanodevices in qubits which can trap one or a few electrons). The new method could enable large-scale silicon quantum computers in the future.

Practically, the researchers have come up with a new way of manipulating the quantum state of a single qubit by using electric fields, rather than the magnetic fields that had been used before. Controlling single electrons without disturbing others is key for quantum information processing in silicon, and the engineers have discovered a new method for doing so called ‘intrinsic spin-orbit  electric dipole spin resonance’. This solution was presented as being less bulky and requiring fewer parts, thus offering advantages that could contribute to making large-scale silicon quantum computers a reality.

New UK defence partnership explores use of quantum computing to make better decisions

UK’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and its industry partner PA Consulting have identified opportunities for a new approach to using quantum computing to support human decision-making. The solutions are rooted in a mix of classical and quantum computing techniques applied to defence-related challenges.

In an initiative funded through the Ministry of Defence’s (MOD’s( Defence and Security Accelerator, PA created prototype tools to help make better and faster decisions, while maintaining essential elements of human decision-making. Looking ahead, these tools are expected to evolve in a way that would allow significant improvements in many decision-making processes across the MOD, lowering risks, and optimising resources. 

DARPA announces new investment to protect systems from post-quantum cryptography

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) announced a multimillion-dollar contract with Duality Technologies, a firm specialising in homomorphic encryption designed to withstand quantum computing attacks. It does so through higher dimensions of security and more complex encryption keys compared to classical measures. In addition to being post-quantum, homomorphic encryption can be used to protect data when in use. This is critical because oftentimes, encryption is deployed to protect the material from a storage site to a user while in transit. By serving as an end-to-end encryption style, sensitive information is less vulnerable to attack.

IBM announces new agreement with Australia to support the country’s digital transformation

IBM Australia has announced the signing of the next iteration of the Whole-of-Government Arrangement with Australia’s Digital Transformation Agency (DTA). Under this arrangement, IBM will support the Australian government in its move towards accelerated adoption of innovative technologies.

The new cooperation will focus on:

  • protecting government data in the cloud;
  • strengthening the government’s cybersecurity capabilities;
  • exploring how quantum technology could help improve services for Australians;
  • adopting and measuring more sustainable practices across government agencies;
  • growing the digital skills capabilities of Australian public servants. 

Third annual report for US National Quantum Initiative published

In the USA, the National Science and Technology Council published the third annual report for the National Quantum Initiative (NQI), as required by the NQI Act (enacted in December 2018 to accelerate American leadership in quantum information science (QIS) and technology).

The report notes that the USA has been making ‘substantial and sustained investments in QIS research and development to explore a wide range of applications and nurture a culture of discovery)’. Efforts are also being undertaken to develop a quantum workforce and ensure that Americans have the opportunity to benefit from participation in QIS.

Details are provided on the work carried out by different US agencies on QIS-related policy topics such as investing in fundamental science and engineering, investing in infrastructure, developing the workforce capacity, engaging with the industry, maintaining economic and national security, and encouraging international cooperation.

One key conclusion of the report is that ‘while the development of QIS technology is at an early stage, now is a critical time to develop the fundamental scientific knowledge, infrastructure, and workforce needed to create new applications for QIS-inspired technologies, grow the marketplace, and foster an ecosystem for basic, applied, and translational research in this field’.

Responsible Quantum Computing Communications project launched in UK

In the UK, the University of Oxford’s Responsible Technology Institute (RTI), the Quantum Computing and Simulation Hub (QCS), and the multinational company Ernst & Young have announced a new research collaboration on responsible quantum computing. The Responsible Quantum Computing Communications (ResQCCom) project will be dedicated to facilitating interactions between the industry, policymakers, and the general public on the possible impacts of quantum computing on society and how to prepare for these. Another goal of the project is to connect international researchers focused on the societal impact of quantum computing in order to share best practices and exchange developments in their respective countries.