ANU Canberra and Fujitsu join forces to create quantum computing research center
The tech giant and the university signed a memorandum of understanding with the ultimate goal of building a quantum computer on campus.
Fujitsu announced today (July 4) that it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Australian National University to create a quantum research center and the “ambition” of building a quantum computer on the university campus.
The aim is to provide researchers, academics, professionals and students with access to cutting-edge research facilities, in line with the National Quantum Strategy published by the federal government in May this year.
As part of the partnership, ANU academics will gain access to Fujitsu’s quantum computing infrastructure in Japan, allowing the university to use those resources to develop and create local teaching and training materials.
Professor Lachlan Blackhall, ANU deputy vice-chancellor (research and innovation), said the MOU would help boost the local workforce in the area.
“This collaboration with Fujitsu complements and builds on ANU’s mission to promote higher education in emerging technologies, including quantum computing, and will help foster the growth of a talented pool of quantum computing professionals in Australia,” he said. Blackhall in a statement.
“ANU is excited to see this collaboration with Fujitsu, which promises to leverage the university’s strengths in quantum optical physics and quantum algorithms. More broadly, this dynamic collaboration and the work being carried out as part of it will help increase the nation’s commitment to fundamental quantum physics, which is absolutely vital if we are to harness the incredible potential of the research and apply it to real-world opportunities for the quantum world.”
Graeme Beardsell, executive vice president and CEO of Fujitsu’s Asia-Pacific region, said the partnership was part of the company’s “race to develop the world’s first fault-tolerant quantum computer.”
“It’s about more than just technology; it’s about unlocking the next wave of innovation,” Beardsell said.
“Australia’s commitment to quantum leadership is clear and Fujitsu is playing its part. We are not only developing these technologies; We share them, we encourage collaboration and we believe that the next quantum breakthrough will come from a global, connected network of brilliant minds focused on developing technology for good.”
