Quantum News Briefs: December 12, 2023: Terra Quantum Launches TQ42; Infleqtion Selected to Join Japan’s Quantum Moonshot Program; Q-CTRL Announces New Head of Engineering, Dimitri Koubaroulis; and MORE!
Quantum News Briefs: December 12, 2023:
Terra Quantum Launches TQ42 – A Breakthrough Platform to Democratize Access to Quantum Computing
Terra Quantum, a premier quantum software company, has unveiled TQ42, a Quantum Software as a Service platform, in St. Gallen, Switzerland. This platform marks a significant advancement in making quantum solutions more accessible to a broad range of users, including those without deep computing or coding knowledge. TQ42 leverages Terra Quantum’s sophisticated quantum algorithms and a robust hybrid quantum cloud infrastructure, offering an enterprise-grade ecosystem for varied industries. It supports enhanced software development and complex problem-solving across finance, manufacturing, life sciences, logistics, etc. The platform features an intuitive interface and a mix of quantum computing resources, enabling experts and beginners to explore quantum computing effortlessly. TQ42 is designed to be secure and integrate smoothly with existing cloud infrastructures, promoting collaboration and efficient project management. With this launch, Terra Quantum aims to democratize access to quantum technology, fostering its adoption and creative potential across various industries.
Infleqtion Selected to Join Japan’s Quantum Moonshot Program with Leading Neutral Atom
Quantum Computing Platform
Infleqtion, a global leader in quantum information, has been chosen as the sole foreign quantum computing partner in Japan’s Science and Technology Agency’s (JST) Quantum Moonshot program. This ambitious initiative aims to revolutionize Japan’s economy, industry, and security by 2050. Infleqtion will collaborate to develop a large-scale, neutral atom quantum computer with high-fidelity qubits. The program, led by Professor Kenji Ohmori of the Institute for Molecular Science, focuses on building a fault-tolerant quantum computer using atomic qubits. Ohmori’s team has recently made significant strides in ultrafast 2-qubit gate operations, propelling neutral-atom technology as a leading candidate for commercial quantum computing. This technology is noted for its scalability and long coherence times. Infleqtion’s participation marks a pivotal moment in advancing Japan’s quantum computing capabilities and represents the first time a foreign company is involved in the Moonshot program. Scott Faris, CEO of Infleqtion, expressed honor and excitement at contributing to the program, highlighting Infleqtion’s neutral atom leadership and expertise in quantum technologies and photonics as vital to this transformative venture.
Q-CTRL Announces New Head of Engineering, Dimitri Koubaroulis
Q-CTRL has recently announced the appointment of Dimitri Koubaroulis as their new Head of Engineering. Koubaroulis joins Q-CTRL, a company at the forefront of quantum computing and sensing, from SafetyCulture, an Australian tech unicorn, where he led the engineering team and advanced their SaaS, IoT, and AI-powered technology offerings. With a proven track record in engineering leadership, software development, and machine learning R&D, Dimitri is expected to bring dynamic leadership and innovative solutions to Q-CTRL. In his new role, he will guide the engineering team in developing the company’s platform and quantum infrastructure software products, aligning with the growing demands for creative engineering solutions in quantum technology companies. Koubaroulis expressed his excitement about leading the engineering team in this innovative and fast-paced environment, aiming to contribute significantly to Q-CTRL’s expansion and realization of its vision. His expertise in software engineering and experience in leading SaaS, IoT, and AI technologies will be crucial as Q-CTRL expands its commercial traction and capabilities in quantum technology. Outside of work, Koubaroulis has an interest in teaching Byzantine Chant and playing Eastern Mediterranean music, adding a unique dimension to his role at Q-CTRL.
University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME) Researcher Hannes Bernien Awarded Klung Wilhelmy Prize for Advances in Quantum Research
(Photo by John Zich)
Asst. Prof. Hannes Bernien of the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering has been awarded the prestigious Klung Wilhelmy Science Prize in Physics, joining a select group of Germany’s most promising early career physicists. Since 1979, this award has been given to only 21 researchers, including four who later won Nobel Prizes. Bernien’s groundbreaking work involves pioneering studies on diamond defect centers and the development of quantum technology platforms using Rydberg atoms. His technique allows for assembling large quantum systems atom by atom using focused laser beams, which has significant implications for building quantum computers. Bernien’s method enables the entanglement of precisely placed atoms, essentially building a quantum processor with potentially thousands of qubits. His PhD work included creating an entangled state over 1.3 kilometers, a record that still stands, and contributed to conducting the universe’s first loophole-free Bell test. Bernien’s innovative work in quantum technology continues to influence academic and industry circles, with several startup companies now looking to build quantum computers based on his research. He received the Klung Wilhelmy prize and 50,000 Euros on December 7 in a ceremony in Berlin.
Kenna Hughes-Castleberry is the Managing Editor at Inside Quantum Technology and the Science Communicator at JILA (a partnership between the University of Colorado Boulder and NIST). Her writing beats include deep tech, quantum computing, and AI. Her work has been featured in Scientific American, Discover Magazine, New Scientist, Ars Technica, and more.
