Deakin University and Cisco's Quantum Computing Venture Receives Major Funding Boost

The frontier of quantum computing is set to advance significantly with a new collaborative project between Deakin University and Cisco Quantum Labs, thanks to a substantial grant from Australia's national science agency, CSIRO. The project, titled "Distributed Quantum Computing: Algorithms and Software," has been awarded a $332,000 grant, marking a significant step in the development of quantum computing technologies.

This pioneering project aims to leverage the immense potential of quantum computing, a revolutionary approach that utilizes the principles of quantum mechanics to solve complex problems far beyond the capabilities of traditional computing systems. Quantum computers operate using quantum bits, or 'qubits', which, unlike classical computing bits that represent either a 0 or a 1, can exist in multiple states simultaneously due to a phenomenon known as superposition.

The primary goal of the Deakin-Cisco collaboration is to develop sophisticated algorithms and software capable of harnessing the power of multiple quantum computers networked together. This concept, often referred to as the 'quantum internet', is expected to transform the way quantum computers communicate and work collectively, enhancing their computational power exponentially.

At the helm of this ambitious project are three researchers from Deakin University's School of IT – Professor Seng Loke, Professor Jinho Choi, and Dr. Jihong Park – alongside Dr. Stephen DiAdamo from Cisco. The team's expertise in quantum computing and networking positions them at the forefront of this groundbreaking field. Their work is not just focused on technological development but also aims to prepare the next generation of experts in this field.

The funding will primarily be used to recruit PhD candidates, cultivating a new wave of Australian talent in quantum computing. These candidates will have the unique opportunity to contribute to the development of Distributed Quantum Computing (DQC), a nascent area that holds immense promise for a range of applications including quantum machine learning, large-scale optimization, and quantum protocols.

This collaboration between academia and industry, supported by government funding, exemplifies a multi-faceted approach to advancing Australia's position in the global quantum computing race. The project is set to pave the way for significant technological advancements and foster a strong quantum computing ecosystem in Australia.