Ex-Google Quantum Chief Joins Australian Startup Silicon Quantum Computing

(Innovation.aus) Google’s former top quantum scientist John Martinis, who helped the tech giant achieve quantum supremacy, has joined Australian startup Silicon Quantum Computing, lending significant validation for its approach to the technology. Silicon Quantum Computing (SQC), is a startup founded by 2018 Australian of the Year Professor Michelle Simmons.
His decision to join SQC is significant validation for the company’s approach of building a quantum computer in silicon at the atomic scale. “I chose to come to SQC because of the promise of the unique approach in fabrication at the atomic level. No one else in the world can do what these guys are capable of,” Professor Martinis said.
SQC was launched in 2017 with $83 million in equity funding from the federal government, the University of NSW, the Commonwealth Bank, Telstra and the NSW government, with intellectual property from the Centre for Excellence for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology, where Professor Simmons is a director.
Professor Simmons said Professor Martinis would help the company produce a commercial quantum computer.