Quantum computing testbeds

Science Minister Andrew Griffith announced the winners of the quantum computing testbeds call last week. The competition involves establishing a range of quantum computing prototype machines at the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC)’s facilities on the Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire, based on state-of-the-art technology platforms. This initiative is a vital step towards enhancing the UK's quantum computing capabilities and infrastructure and accelerating the development of this cutting-edge technology towards fault-tolerant quantum computing.

The testbeds represent a diverse array of qubit architectures, including technologies ranging from superconducting qubits, neutral atoms, and trapped ions to innovative approaches in photonics-based quantum computing. This variety is beneficial, as each technology holds distinct potential and many challenges for different quantum computing applications.

The scaling-up of quantum technologies presents notable challenges, but there's an optimistic view regarding the collaborative potential of these initiatives. An understanding of these diverse devices is expected to enable Quantum software experts, such as those at Quantum Software Lab, to optimise hardware performance through tailoring error correction codes and algorithms to match the specific connectivity and capabilities of each platform. Additionally, the potential insights gained from these testbeds will be instrumental in discerning which technologies are best suited for specific applications. This will help guide the quantum computing community towards more focused and efficient uses of future quantum technologies.

As a part of NQCC, the Quantum Software Lab at the University of Edinburgh will play a significant role in presenting complementary expertise focused on quantum software and the applications of quantum algorithms in this initiative led by NQCC.