A state-of-the-art quantum computer, developed at Sweden’s Chalmers University of Technology, will be made available to researchers and companies in the country thanks to a generous funding round.
Additional funding, funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, will allow Chalmers experts to manufacture a copy of the university’s quantum computer, making it available to Swedish industry. SEK’s 102 million fund will, in addition to developing the technology, ‘A “quantum helpdesk” that enables companies and researchers to solve problems using quantum technology.
Access to quantum computers revolutionizes Swedish industry
Since 2018, Chalmers University of Technology has implemented a large-scale project to design and manufacture a quantum computer in Sweden under the Wallenberg Center for Quantum Technology (WACQT) initiative.
The effort was successful, resulting in a state-of-the-art quantum computer boasting 25 quantum bits (also called qubits). The goal of this project is to reach 100 qubits by 2029. However, even the current capacity of 25 qubits can effectively handle complex algorithms. The main problem with this technique is that it is rarely available as researchers are constantly working on optimizing it.
Per Delsing, Chalmers professor and WACQT director, explains: The aim is to raise Sweden’s level of competence in quantum technology and lower the threshold for using quantum computers. ”
How does funding improve accessibility?
In addition to developing a copy of a quantum computer, this funding will help innovate a testbed with a support function (quantum helpdesk) to guide users and troubleshoot problems into workable quantum algorithms. The testbed will also provide test equipment for companies developing quantum technology components.
Delsing adds: For companies, it should be enough to have a problem they’ve heard quantum computers could solve. Quantum Help Desk will help them from there. ”
The test bed will open equipment for testing components and quantum helpdesks in 2024, and quantum computers for running algorithms in 2025.
The technology is more economically viable than previous quantum computers
Making quantum computers commercially available is not a new phenomenon, with various companies making them available through the cloud. However, for users in Sweden, WACQT’s test bed cost is significantly lower.
“Another big difference is that we’re transparent about what’s under the hood of a quantum computer. This allows us to optimize the algorithms in the hardware, so the computation is more likely to succeed,” Delsing said. concluded.
