Quantum computing breakthrough by CSIRO unlocks new horizons

CSIRO’s quantum researchers have catapulted Australia into the future of big data analysis.

On January 29, 2025, they unveiled a quantum machine learning feat that could soon have us zipping through traffic, optimising energy use and revolutionising healthcare with unprecedented efficiency. Their work, a cornerstone of the UNESCO-declared International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, showcases a thrilling era where quantum computing meets real-world applications.

At the helm of this exciting venture is Dr Muhammad Usman, a senior CSIRO quantum scientist, who guided his team to compress and analyse enormous datasets faster than you can say “quantum supremacy.”

Their secret weapon – Quantum bits (qubits) – that defy the binary constraints of traditional computing by existing in multiple states simultaneously. This allows them to process vast amounts of data at speeds that make current supercomputers look like calculators.

The focus of their study, groundwater monitoring, is just the tip of the iceberg. Usman emphasised, “With the global volume of data doubling every few years, quantum computing’s ability to handle this complexity will become increasingly valuable.”

Imagine optimising traffic flows in real-time to reduce congestion and emissions or diagnosing illnesses with a speed and accuracy that outpaces today’s methods.

Dr Liming Zhu, Research Director at CSIRO’s Data61, also highlighted the broader implications of their findings. “CSIRO’s breakthrough not only builds confidence in the benefits of quantum machine learning but also serves as a guidepost. By identifying key application performance metrics and challenges, our work helps shape the trajectory of hardware and software innovation, bringing us closer to real-world demonstrations using quantum,”

With their research published in the prestigious journal Advanced Science, CSIRO’s team is advancing towards the future of quantum computing.

Pic source: CSIRO Australia