ANU lays out ambition to have a quantum computer

The Australian National University (ANU) has outlined an ambition to host an onsite quantum computer, with Fujitsu Australia to play a role in working towards that goal. 

The university signed a memorandum of understanding with Fujitsu that will also give ANU researchers and academics access to “quantum systems and simulators” in Japan in the interim.

Fujitsu is working with RIKEN - Japan’s national scientific research institute - on a 256-qubit quantum machine that is intended to be ready in March 2025, followed by a machine of up to 1000 qubits.

ANU indicated that it ultimately wanted to have its own quantum computer onsite, though it did not put a timeframe on that occurring.

That computer would help to build local expertise and be useful for “advanced research in fields including cryptography, material science, and quantum simulations,” the university and vendor said.

“This collaboration with Fujitsu complements and builds on the ANU mission to further higher education on emerging technologies including quantum computing and will help to foster the growth of a talented pool of quantum computing professionals in Australia,” ANU professor and deputy vice-chancellor (research and innovation) Lachlan Blackhall said.

“ANU’s … collaboration with Fujitsu … promises to build on the university’s strengths in quantum optical physics and quantum algorithms.”