Insider Brief The European Commission has launched calls for proposals for research and innovation in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and quantum technologies. The proposals fall under Horizon Europe’s 2023-2024 digital, industrial and space work programme. The Commission states that €40 million will be invested to boost research into quantum technologies. PRESS RELEASE — The European Commission has launched calls for proposals under Horizon Europe’s 2023-2024 digital, industrial and space work programme for research and innovation in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and quantum technologies ..read more

Insider Brief Dr. Shuqiu Wang, Assistant Professor in Physics, University of Bristol, has been selected as the winner of the 2024 Nicholas Kurti Science Prize. Dr. Wang received the award for her work in atomic-scale visualisation and identification of electronic structures in p-wave topological superconductors at millikelvin temperatures. This research is helping to advance the study of unconventional superconductivity through state-of-the-art experimental techniques. PRESS RELEASE — Oxford Instruments is delighted to announce that Dr. Shuqiu Wang, Assistant Professor in Physics, Universit ..read more

Insider Brief The UK announced a comprehensive review of exports and foreign investments by British firms to safeguard against economic vulnerabilities. Britain is set to intensify scrutiny on the export of cryogenic equipment vital for quantum computing. Critical Quote: “Cryogenics – the ability to reduce temperatures to near kelvin zero – is something that 10 years ago was purely for research purposes, but with the advent of quantum computing is a key part of that.” — Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden Britain is set to intensify scrutiny on the export of cryogenic equipment vital for qu ..read more

Insider Brief With support from the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory, researchers simulated a key quantum state at one of the largest scales reported. The study used Quantinuum’s H1-1 computer to model a quantum version of a classical mathematical model that tracks how a disease spreads. Researchers estimated at 70 qubits their approach could equal or surpass a classical computer’s capabilities. Story: ORNL PRESS RELEASE — Researchers simulated a key quantum state at one of the largest scales reported, with support from the Quantum Computing User Program, or QCUP, at the ..read more

Insider Brief Bluefors today announced development of an ultra-compact version of the world’s most widely used dilution refrigerator system. The new ultra-compact LD is a small footprint cryogenic measurement system ideal for laboratory environments with limited space, or where multiple units need to be in a single space. The systems are known  for their unmatched reliability, with over 1250 units in operation worldwide. HELSINKI, Finland, April 24, 2024: Bluefors today announced development of an ultra-compact version of the world’s most widely used dilution refrigerator system.  ..read more

Insider Brief Quantum physics needs high-precision sensing techniques to delve deeper into the microscopic properties of materials. ICFO scientists from Barcelona, Spain built their own quantum-gas microscope, named QUIONE after the Greek goddess of snow. The group’s quantum-gas microscope is the only one imaging individual atoms of strontium quantum gases in the world. Image: The team in the lab. From left to right: Sandra Buob, Antonio Rubio-Abadal, Vasiliy Makhalov, Jonatan Höschele, and Leticia Tarruell. (Image/Story: ICFO) PRESS RELEASE — Quantum physics needs high-precision sensing te ..read more

Robert Raußendorf, a pioneering researcher in quantum computing, recognizes the immense potential but also daunting challenges in building scalable, fault-tolerant quantum computers. In a recent video released by Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung — a foundation that promotes international academic cooperation between excellent scientists and scholars from Germany and from abroad — Raußendorf stated his core motivation plainly: “I want to help build this ground. That fascinates me. It’s work that I love doing.” A key obstacle is the fragility of quantum bits (qubits) which are “very sensitive to ..read more

Insider Brief Xanadu joins the Chicago Quantum Exchange as the consortium’s first Canadian corporate partner this month. The company strategically partners with academic institutions and research labs to collaboratively advance quantum education. The CQE is one of the largest collaborative teams working on quantum information science and engineering in the world. PRESS RELEASE — Xanadu​, a ​full-stack ​quantum ​computing​​ ​company​ ​​with the mission to build quantum computers that are useful and available to people everywhere​, joined the Chicago Quantum Exchange as the consortium’s first ..read more

Exposing the emptiness of the h-word: how claims of hyperbole ring hollow; and how nobody, not even today’s experts, can possibly know the limits of Quantum. By Shai Phillips President, PSIRCH In a monthly segment in The Quantum Insider, PSIRCH’s President, Shai Phillips, will conduct a first-of-its-kind audit of broad industry-internal accusations of exaggeration in quantum computing and associated fields. How much truth there is to them will be the focus of this series. “In 2019… a former colleague told me anyone who said there would ever be a quantum computer with more than 100 qubits was ..read more

Insider Brief IISER Pune announced the launch of a new Masters Programme in Quantum Technology. The program is designed to equip students with the skills to work in quantum technology. IISER Pune created the program to meet the growing need for a skilled quantum workforce. PRESS RELEASE — With the launch of the National Quantum Mission, there is a pressing need for a skilled workforce in Quantum Technologies. With this goal in mind, IISER Pune is pleased to announce the launch of a new Masters programme in Quantum Technology. This two-year programme will equip students with the skills to wo ..read more