New facility aims to realise quantum computing for faster processing in real-world issues
Elly Yates-Roberts |
Microsoft has opened its Quantum Lab at the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands in partnership with quantum research centre, QuTech. The new facility aims to realise quantum computing for faster processing in important real-world issues.
Unlike current computers, quantum computers will be able to perform tasks at a far faster rate and of greater complexity than the most powerful supercomputers.
“With the opening of this Lab, we see what is possible when business, science, and the government unite,” Leo Kouwenhoven, scientific director of Microsoft Quantum Lab Delft and professor at Delft University of Technology. “Together, we have built a world-class laboratory in Delft which will enable us to expedite development of a revolutionary quantum computer. The Netherlands now has the necessary ingredients to develop the type of compute power that could drastically change humankind’s daily lives – from personalised medication, to the development of new renewable energy sources.”
Opened by King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, the laboratory will even be able to work on discovering new treatments for diseases.
“We don’t know how to predict or simulate processes in nature or biological systems,” said Kouwenhoven. “We just try and see if it works or not – that’s just trial and error. If we had a quantum computer on hand, then we could use it to help solve these problems vastly more quickly and at a very fundamental level.”
Quantum computing could also help solve environmental challenges such as the economical use of natural resources to help fight global warming.
“The new Microsoft Quantum Lab Delft enables the Netherlands to play a key role in the quantum economy,” said Ernst-Jan Stigter, general manager of Microsoft Netherlands. “We therefore call on the country’s business community and other parties to prepare for quantum technology. Joint public-private investments in resources and infrastructure, as we see here today, are critical to a quantum future.”
Innovation company Headcandy also delivered the app for the lab’s opening as well as a HoloLens app to explain the quantum computer setup.
“I would like to congratulate Microsoft and the QuTech team with this milestone in a journey towards building a revolutionary quantum computer,” said Jasper Vis, founder and CEO of Headcandy.