Quantum New Briefs October 22: Oxford Ionics Joins UK Government on Trade Mission to US • Three Argonne Scientists Receive U.S. Department of Energy Awards to Advance Quantum Computing • Exponential Science Launches to Advance the Convergence of Blockchain with AI, and Other Deep Tech • The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority Collaborates with Builder.ai to Boost AI and Quantum Computing at Dubai Silicon Oasis
Oxford Ionics Joins UK Government on Trade Mission to US
Oxford Ionics, a world leader in trapped-ion quantum computing, today announced that it is one of eight companies participating in a quantum trade mission to the United States, organized by the UK’s Department of Business & Trade.
David Allcock, Oxford Ionics’ Director of Science for North America, will represent the company during the five-day trade mission which commences today. During the trip, the UK delegation will travel to Chicago and Colorado to meet with senior officials from local government, US-based research institutions, and select quantum companies. In addition to cultivating relationships within the US quantum ecosystem, the delegation will promote the UK’s pioneering innovations as a global leader in quantum computing.
Oxford Ionics’ participation in this trade mission comes just a few months after the company opened its first international office in Boulder, CO. The Boulder location serves as a crucial base for the company’s rapid expansion into North America – allowing it to tap into the tremendous US talent pool. Oxford Ionics plans to triple its headcount in the next 18 months, with a significant number of employees to be based in the Boulder office.
Three Argonne Scientists Receive U.S. Department of Energy Awards to Advance Quantum Computing
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced $65 million in September funding for research to advance quantum computing at more than 20 institutions across the nation.
Among the awardees were three scientists at DOE’s Argonne National Laboratory according to October 21 news release from Argonne. The researchers will lead Argonne teams that are contributing to multi-institutional projects focused on quantum algorithms and software, demonstrating quantum computing’s capability for solving scientific research problems.
The DOE initiative aims to propel the development of quantum technologies, which have the potential to transform fields such as energy, medicine and national security.
The awardees are:
Paul Hovland: His project, MACH-Q (Modular and Error-Aware Software Stack for Heterogeneous Quantum Computing Ecosystems), focuses on creating a modular software framework designed to improve the performance and reliability of quantum computing systems.
Jeffrey Larson: Awarded for his work on FAR-Qu (Fundamental Algorithmic Research towards Quantum Utility), Larson’s research focuses on developing algorithms that can fully exploit quantum systems’ potential.
Zain Saleem: Saleem’s project, AQuA-DATA (Advanced Quantum Algorithms for Diverse Applications and Theoretical Advancements in Science), is aimed at creating new quantum algorithms with applications across various scientific fields.
Exponential Science Launches to Advance the Convergence of Blockchain with AI, and Other Deep Tech
Exponential Science, a non-profit foundation, has been established according to October 17 news release to address the growing interdependencies among emerging digital technologies and deep tech. It will focus on the complementarity of blockchain with other cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, AR/VR and other deep tech.
The foundation’s upcoming plans include a range of initiatives aimed at expanding scientific impact and fostering collaboration across sectors. Research and spinoff initiatives will target specific challenges, enabling the exploration of niche areas of innovation and accelerating progress in critical fields. A robust content and event strategy will also be implemented, creating a dynamic platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration.
The foundation was created byDr. Paolo Tasca, Founder and Chairman, and Nikhil Vadgama,to build on their legacy of leadership in the blockchain space through the DLT Science Foundation.
The team is made up of international academic and research experts from diverse fields and disciplines who are working on various initiatives, including the new MiCA Crypto Alliance, which helps blockchain and crypto businesses meet the EU’s incoming regulatory requirements. Other key projects include work with the UK CBT, the national research hub that drives the UK agenda for blockchain, and DLT Earth,
In Other News: GlobalData Reports “The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority Collaborates with Builder.ai to Boost AI and Quantum Computing at Dubai Silicon Oasis”
The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) announced on October 21 a strategic partnership with Builder.ai, AI-powered composable software platform that allows every business and entrepreneur to become digitally powered. The partnership aims to explore economic opportunities between both parties and support the operations of the AI and Quantum Cluster at Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), the special economic zone for knowledge and innovation and a member of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority.
The partnership agreement focuses on establishing a “Living Lab” aimed at testing, showcasing, and scaling new technologies, services, and products in the fields of artificial intelligence and quantum computing. In addition, the collaboration extends to areas such as service development, educational initiatives, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing, fostering economic growth through research, joint workshops, and seminars. Under this partnership, Builder.ai will serve as the “Ecosystem Partner” for the AI and Quantum Cluster at Dubai Silicon Oasis, contributing to the hub’s operations by offering a comprehensive package of specialized services at preferential rates to companies based in the free zone.
Badr Buhannad, Deputy Director General of DSO & Chief Corporate Support Officer at DIEZ explained, “This partnership will significantly add to the value chain offered by Dubai Silicon Oasis to tech companies, improving the operations of the AI and Quantum Cluster in the free zone. It will also foster innovation and technological development, further benefiting the integrated ecosystem of the free zone and its specialized companies.”
