Fujitsu and ANU Collaborate to Bring Quantum Computing to Australia: A Memorandum of Understanding for Innovation and Talent Development

Fujitsu and the Australian National University (ANU) have partnered to introduce advanced quantum computing technology to Australia. Through a Memorandum of Understanding, the collaboration aims to promote innovation and cultivate talent within the country

Fujitsu Australia Limited and The Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra have agreed to work together to create a top-notch quantum research facility in Australia. This partnership aims to provide industry and government professionals, researchers, academics, and students with access to cutting-edge quantum technology. The collaboration will involve establishing a center for quantum research and potentially developing a quantum computer on site.

In accordance with Australia's National Quantum Strategy, which focuses on investing in, connecting, and expanding the country's quantum research and industry to compete globally, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlines a strategic vision for Fujitsu to collaborate with a prominent Australian university. The goal is to leverage quantum technologies for the advancement of local businesses and the international community in the long term.

According to Graeme Beardsell, who is the EVP and CEO of Fujitsu Oceania, the company is working on innovative projects for the future of computing. Fujitsu's focus on quantum research and partnerships with institutions like ANU are positioning them as leaders in the global competition to create the first fault-tolerant quantum computer. This initiative is not just about technology, but also about paving the way for the next big wave of innovation.

Australia is dedicated to leading in the field of quantum technology, and Fujitsu is actively contributing to this goal. Instead of just creating these advancements, we are also collaborating with others and sharing our knowledge, with the belief that the next major quantum innovation will emerge from a worldwide network of talented individuals working together to create technology that benefits society.

In a partnership agreement, Fujitsu will grant ANU researchers and educators the opportunity to use Fujitsu's quantum systems and simulators in Japan. Fujitsu, in cooperation with RIKEN, aims to introduce a 256-qubit quantum computer by March 2025 and a quantum computer with up to 1000 qubits by fiscal year 2026 to foster more advancements in quantum technology. This will ensure that ANU continues to have access to the most advanced quantum technology available.

ANU and Fujitsu are working together to create educational modules that focus on using Fujitsu's quantum technologies to enhance research in quantum computing.

Plans to develop quantum computers on location

Aside from sharing knowledge, the project will also focus on establishing a quantum computer on the premises of ANU to assist local researchers, as well as government and industry professionals, in gaining skills in quantum computing.

The quantum computer located on-site will give Australian professionals the opportunity to utilize new technologies in their own region. This will allow them to engage in high-level research in areas such as cryptography, material science, and quantum simulations.

According to Professor Lachlan Blackhall, who holds the position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at The Australian National University, the partnership with Fujitsu aligns with the university's goal of advancing education in new technologies such as quantum computing. This collaboration aims to support the development of a skilled workforce in the field of quantum computing in Australia.

ANU is looking forward to working with Fujitsu on a collaboration that will utilize the University's expertise in quantum optical physics and quantum algorithms. This partnership will contribute to the advancement of fundamental quantum physics in Australia, allowing us to fully utilize the potential of quantum research in practical applications.

Fujitsu's knowledge and experience in quantum technology spans from combining different platforms to developing systems for commercial use.

Over the next two years, Fujitsu is working with RIKEN to create a 256-qubit and 1,000-qubit superconducting quantum computer. Fujitsu has also invested in developing quantum technologies and building expertise in this field.

– Hybrid quantum computing platform: A platform that combines a 64-qubit superconducting quantum computer with a quantum simulator to address quantum bit errors in current quantum computers. This is done through a computing workload broker, an AI-based software that optimizes computing by automatically combining different computing resources and algorithms.

– Quantum applications: Fujitsu's research and development in quantum computing covers all technical aspects, from quantum devices to platform software applications. They are actively creating new algorithms for chemistry calculations, financial systems, and drug discovery.

– Commercial quantum computer system: Japan's National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) has purchased a gate-based superconducting quantum computer system from Fujitsu. This system is designed to scale up to hundreds of qubits.

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