ANU has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Fujitsu, bringing new opportunities for quantum computing research and teaching.

Photo credit: Australian National University

The agreement will see the two organisations partner to establish a centre for quantum research, with ambitions to build an onsite quantum computer.

“ANU is excited to see this collaboration with Fujitsu, which promises to build on the University’s strengths in quantum optical physics and quantum algorithms,” said Professor Lachlan Blackhall, ANU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation).

“It will help to foster the growth of a talented pool of quantum computing professionals.”

As part of the collaboration, Fujitsu will provide ANU researchers and academics with access to Fujitsu’s quantum systems and simulators in Japan – including Fujitsu’s planned new facilities, a 256-qubit and 1,000-qubit superconducting quantum computer developed in the next two years with RIKEN, Japan's largest comprehensive research institution.

Beyond use of existing facilities, the agreement could also lead to collaborations in fundamental research in topics ranging from materials science, optical systems and Fujitsu’s Quantum-inspired Digital Annealer. (The Digital Annealer uses digital circuit design inspired by quantum phenomena, and focuses on rapidly solving complex combinatorial optimization problems without the added complications and costs typically associated with quantum computing methods.)

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