Quantum News Briefs: April 11, 2024:
Terra Quantum Supports the 2024 International Quantum Strategy Day Competition
The Quantum Strategy Institute (QSI) has partnered with Terra Quantum to host the 2024 International Quantum Strategy Day (IQSD) competition on April 19th, aiming to foster innovation in quantum strategy by encouraging participants from various backgrounds to develop practical quantum applications. The winning team of this cross-disciplinary “stratethon” will gain exclusive access to Terra Quantum’s advanced quantum computing platform, TQ42, which offers proprietary algorithms, applications, and a mix of classical and quantum computing resources. Terra Quantum’s support highlights its commitment to democratizing quantum computing access and enhancing strategic planning within organizations through practical quantum technology integration. IQSD invites students, academics, professionals, and enthusiasts to contribute to the evolution of quantum strategies, underscoring the global interest in quantum technology’s potential applications and solutions.
U.S. Republican Lawmakers to Propose New Bill to Accelerate DoD’s Use of Quantum Information Science
U.S. Republican lawmakers, led by Rep. Elise Stefanik and Sen. Marsha Blackburn, have introduced the Defense Quantum Acceleration Act to expedite the Department of Defense’s adoption of quantum information science for enhanced sensing, navigation, and advanced AI applications. This initiative proposes the creation of a new quantum advisor position and a center of excellence to explore quantum technologies’ potential to advance the Department’s priorities. The move comes in response to China’s significant investment in quantum technology, with the U.S. seeking to bolster its quantum capabilities without directly matching China’s spending. The bill aims to leverage private sector innovation, emphasizing the strategic importance of quantum technology in maintaining national security and ensuring the U.S. remains at the forefront of quantum computing research and development.
Harvard Quantum Initiative Construction Set to be Completed in the Spring
Harvard University’s ambitious Harvard Quantum Initiative (HQI) in Science and Engineering is nearing a significant milestone with the completion of its new headquarters at 60 Oxford Street, expected this spring. This facility, transforming into a state-of-the-art laboratory for graduate studies, aims to capitalize on the “second quantum revolution” by fostering interdisciplinary research across universities, the private sector, and the government. The renovation, which started in 2022, not only upgrades the building’s interior and mechanical systems for high-performance optic labs, improved accessibility, and new teaching spaces but also integrates sustainable design features seeking certification from sustainability organizations. The project represents a collaborative effort between Payette Architects, faculty, and staff, aiming to consolidate HQI operations currently dispersed across various locations, thereby establishing a central hub for advancing quantum science and engineering.
In Other News: Sifted article: “11 quantum computing startups that VCs are watching in Europe”
A recent Sifted article highlights that in striking contrast to the broader VC-backed sector, European quantum startups experienced a 3% growth in investments last year, reaching $781 million and outpacing North America’s $240 million by more than three times. This growth positioned Europe as the only region with increased funding for quantum startups amidst global declines, with North America and Asia-Pacific seeing reductions of 80% and 17%, respectively. With substantial government support, including a $4.3 billion commitment from the UK, over $3.7 billion from Germany, and a rising interest from VCs, Europe’s quantum industry is steadily expanding. Quantum computing, renowned for its potential in sensors and secure communications, is drawing particular attention as European startups like Multiverse Computing, Riverlane, Terra Quantum, Pasqal, Arque Systems, Orange Quantum Systems, Haiqu, Alice&Bob, Pixel Photonics, Algorithmiq, and Planqc begin to make significant global impacts. These startups are developing a wide range of quantum technologies, from business applications and error correction software to advanced quantum computing services and hardware, showcasing Europe’s growing prominence in the quantum field.