University of Sydney announces quantum computing chip foundry

The University of Sydney today announced a $7.4 million investment to expand its quantum technology facilities to establish the Future Qubit Foundry at the Sydney Nanoscience Hub.

The foundry will be a national-leading facility to invent the technology of tomorrow’s quantum computers, enabling them to operate at scale and be of use to society.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Emma Johnston said: “The Future Qubit Foundry will leverage the University of Sydney’s research leadership in advanced quantum technologies and put us at the forefront of next-generation design of qubits, the heart of quantum computers.

“Crucially, it will also help ensure Australia can train the quantum workforce needed to operate tomorrow’s quantum tech.”

The announcement came on the eve of the Quantum Australia conference hosted by the Sydney Quantum Academy, a collaboration between the University of Sydney, UNSW, Macquarie University, UTS and the NSW Government.

Quantum computers operate by storing and retrieving data at the sub-atomic level, promising the next era of micro-technology.

Operating at scale, they could solve intractable problems in drug design, cryptography and engineering outside the reach of classical computing.

CSIRO predicts that quantum technology will be a $6 billion industry in Australia by 2045, employing 19,400 people.

Professor Johnston said: “By training the very best quantum technologists, the University will deliver tangible benefits to the Australian economy. And it will lock us into global supply chains as quantum computers come into their own.”

The University has already attracted Australians working overseas to return, including Dr John Bartholomew, who was at Caltech, and Dr Xanthe Croot, who was at Princeton, according to Professor Stephen Bartlett, Associate Dean (Research) of the Faculty of Science.

“The qubit foundry will add to our national and global standing, ensuring Sydney is one of the world’s best places to research quantum technology.”

The University of Sydney Future Qubit Foundry will occupy laboratory and cleanroom space in the Sydney Nanoscience Hub, offer national-leading facilities for fabricating and characterising novel quantum devices and attract and host new strategic hires in quantum materials and devices.

Picture: University of Sydney