Abu Dhabi has laid the groundwork to build the first quantum computer which will be a massive milestone for the region in computing.
The Technology Innovation Institute has announced that its Quantum Research Centre team will construct the quantum computer, in collaboration with Barcelona-based Qilimanjaro Quantum Tech researchers.
The team will be led by Professor Jose Ignacio Latorre with work on the computer started at the beginning of 2021.
Professor Latorre said, “The first step in the process is to build a laboratory, equip it and complete installation of the cleanroom equipment, all of which is on track. Once done, the first qubits will be prepared, characterised and benchmarked. We expect the first simple quantum chips ‘Made in Abu Dhabi’ should come by the end of the summer.”
A quantum computer uses quantum mechanics to generate and manipulate subatomic particles like electrons or photons, also known as qubits, to create exponentially stronger processing powers that can help perform complex calculations that would take much longer to solve even by the world’s most powerful classical supercomputers.
His Excellency Faisal Al Bannai, Secretary-General of ATRC said, “We are at the cusp of a new era with the advent of quantum computing. We are proud to embark on building one of these wonderful machines which will help us in various fields, from discovering new medicines to making new materials to designing better batteries to various Artificial Intelligence applications.”