Internationally renowned quantum physicist joins SQC team

Internationally-renown quantum physicist Professor John Martinis has joined Silicon Quantum Computing (SQC), an Australian technology start-up founded by Professor Michelle Simmons AO.

Martinis has joined the SQC team to accelerate its development of a silicon-based quantum computer. He and his team at Google demonstrated that quantum computers can outperform classical computers, known as ‘quantum supremacy’.

Martinis’s decision to join SQC validates the company’s unique approach to building a quantum computer in silicon at the atomic scale, a technical capability pioneered by Professor Simmons in Australia.

“Professor Martinis’s decision to come and work in Australia for SQC further demonstrates the promise of the technical capability developed by Professor Simmons and the SQC team. It’s a reminder of UNSW’s world leading capability in quantum physics and atomic engineering,” said Ian Jacobs, VC UNSW.

Simmons and her team have reached a range of technical milestones over the past decade, notably their recent demonstration of the fastest two-qubit gate in silicon, as they work towards the creation of a 10-qubit prototype quantum integrated processor by 2023.

Simmons noted that Martinis’s track record of success and focus on building a commercially useful quantum computer aligns with SQC’s goals, as SQC has developed atomically precise fabrication techniques that are uniquely suited to building a quantum computer.

“SQC is focusing on scaling up its technology platform. This is exactly what John did at Google. So we are delighted that he has chosen SQC and Australia for his next move,” Simmons said.

Martinis said he was looking forward to joining the SQC team, stating that building a quantum computer is his life-long ambition.

“If we can build one successfully at scale, it will be a transformational achievement with tremendous impact for humankind. I chose to come to SQC because of the promise of the unique approach in fabrication at the atomic level. No-one else in the world can do what these guys are capable of,” Professor Martinis said.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Sikov