Fujitsu and ANU Partner to Bring World-Class Quantum Computing to Australia: Driving Local Innovation and Talent Development

Fujitsu and ANU are collaborating to introduce top-tier quantum computing technology to Australia. Through a Memorandum of Understanding, they aim to foster innovation and develop talent within the country.

Fujitsu Australia Limited and The Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on creating a cutting-edge quantum research facility in Australia. This partnership aims to establish a center for quantum research and potentially develop a quantum computer on site. This collaboration will provide industry and government professionals, researchers, academics, and students in Australia with access to advanced quantum technology.

In line with Australia's National Quantum Strategy, which focuses on investing in and developing the country's quantum research and industry to be competitive on a global scale, the Memorandum of Understanding outlines a strategic plan for Fujitsu to collaborate with a prominent Australian university. This partnership aims to explore and leverage the potential of quantum technologies for the advancement of local businesses and the greater international community in the long term.

Graeme Beardsell, the EVP and Chief Executive Officer of Fujitsu in Oceania, expressed that Fujitsu is focusing on innovative advancements in computing for the future. Their dedication to quantum research and partnerships, such as with ANU, positions them as leaders in the international competition to create the first fault-tolerant quantum computer. This effort goes beyond technology and aims to unleash a new era of innovation.

Australia is dedicated to leading the way in quantum technology, and Fujitsu is actively contributing to this goal. We are not only creating and advancing these technologies ourselves, but also sharing them with others, encouraging collaboration, and having faith that the next major quantum advancement will emerge from a diverse and interconnected community of talented individuals working together to create technology that benefits society.

Through a partnership with ANU researchers and academics, Fujitsu will allow them to use their quantum systems and simulators in Japan. Fujitsu, in collaboration with RIKEN, aims to launch a 256-qubit quantum computer in March 2025 and a quantum computer with up to 1000 qubits in fiscal year 2026. This will ensure that ANU continues to have access to the most advanced quantum technology available.

ANU and Fujitsu are partnering to create educational modules that will help researchers better understand quantum computing by utilizing Fujitsu's quantum technologies. These modules will enhance the research approach at ANU by incorporating practical training and teaching methods.

Goals of having quantum computers on location.

Along with sharing knowledge, the project will focus on establishing a quantum computer at ANU to support 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 use new technologies that are developing locally. This will allow them to carry out advanced research in areas like cryptography, material science, and quantum simulations.

According to Professor Lachlan Blackhall, who is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) at The Australian National University, the partnership with Fujitsu aligns with ANU's goal to advance education in new technologies like quantum computing. This collaboration aims to support the development of a skilled workforce in quantum computing in Australia.

ANU is looking forward to working with Fujitsu on a collaboration that will enhance the University's expertise in quantum optical physics and quantum algorithms. This partnership aims to advance the nation's dedication to fundamental quantum physics, essential for leveraging research advancements for practical applications in the quantum realm.

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

Fujitsu is working on developing a superconducting quantum computer with RIKEN in the next two years, aiming for 256-qubit and 1,000-qubit capacities. Fujitsu has also built up knowledge and skills in quantum technologies.

– Hybrid quantum computing platform: This platform combines a 64-qubit superconducting quantum computer with a quantum simulator to address quantum bit errors. It uses a computing workload broker, an AI-based software that automatically combines different computing resources and algorithms for optimal computing performance.

– Quantum applications: Fujitsu's research and development in quantum computing covers all technical aspects, from quantum devices to platform software applications. They are actively working on 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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