Key project brings together leading multi-nationals and disruptive SMEs
to innovate the next generation of computing
The launch of a large-scale €11M Quantum Computing in Ireland (QCoIr) initiative has catapulted Ireland into the European forefront of quantum computing research. Bringing together huge multinationals including IBM and Mastercard with disruptive SMEs like Rockley and equal1.labs, the consortium of seven creates an innovative national quantum ecosystem.
“Quantum computing is seen as the future of computer technology. It’s computing built on the principles of quantum physics, creating, storing, and accessing data at atomic and subatomic levels to create vastly powerful computers,” explained Dr. Emanuele Pelucchi, Head of Epitaxy & Physics of Nanostructures, Tyndall National Institute, UCC. “Sources of multiple entangled photons uniquely allow for preparation of highly entangled quantum states. QCoIr will leverage the on-chip photonic qubit platform based on site-controlled III-V quantum dots. These unique dots were developed at Tyndall.”
“QCoIr is central to our overall research strategy and vision of establishing a Quantum Engineering Centre of Excellence. Tyndall is pursuing a programme around novel quantum materials and devices for quantum computing and this partnership will bring us together with other leaders of on-going experimental and theoretical quantum research,” said Dr. Giorgos Fagas, Head EU Programmes and Lead of CMOS++ Research Theme.
The QCoIr consortium partners are equal1.labs, IBM, Rockley Photonics, Maynooth University, Tyndall National Institute, UCD, and Mastercard. These academic and industry partners will work together on a software platform integrating multiple quantum bit technologies being developed in Ireland.
The €11.1M project has received €7.3M in funding from the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (DTIF), a €500 million fund established under Project Ireland 2040. DTIF is run by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation with administrative support from Enterprise Ireland. The rest of the QCoIr project funding comes from the project’s industry partners.
This investment showcases the potential for the growing number of academic and industrial collaborations in Ireland. “Rockley is an SME and the leader in integrated photonics, while IBM is a global leader in quantum computing. Rockley Photonics established their Irish R&D Centre at Tyndall just two years ago and by establishing partnerships like this we are delivering on our ambition to become a globally leading research performing and technology delivering institute,” added Dr. Fagas.
“This exciting partnership sets the foundations for a national quantum ecosystem,” commented Tyndall CEO Prof William Scanlon. “It brings together hardware and software providers with application users, and sees multi-nationals working side-by-side with researchers and SMEs. These kinds of industry and academic research partnerships are what will allow Ireland to build a quantum value proposition at international scale.”
About Tyndall National Institute
Tyndall is a leading European research centre in integrated ICT (Information and Communications Technology) materials, devices and systems. It is one of Ireland’s five National Labs, specialising in both electronics and photonics. Tyndall works with industry and academia to transform research into products in its core market areas of electronics, communications, energy, health, agri-tech & the environment. With a network of over 200 industry partners and customers worldwide, they are focused on delivering human and economic impact from excellence in research. A research flagship of University College Cork, Tyndall is home to a research community of 600 people of 52 nationalities.
CONTACT DETAILS
For more information on Tyndall please contact:
Ursula Morrish, Marketing and Communications Manager,
Tyndall National Institute,
+353 (0) 852372189
ursula.morrish@tyndall.ie