A quantum computing project led by Glasgow University has received £3 million in new funding.

The Empowering Practical Interfacing of Quantum Computing (EPIQC) project aims to bring the technology out of the lab and into the real world.

Led by researchers from the University of Glasgow, quantum computing and ICT researchers from academia across the UK will work together over the next four years to co-create new ways to bridge the gap between current quantum computers and information and communication technologies.

The project is being supported by funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), which is part of UKRI.

Quantum computers differ from conventional computers by encoding information in quantum bits, or qubits. While a regular bit stores information in a binary format, as either one or zero, qubits can exist in a superposition where they are both one and zero.

This vastly increases the number of calculations they can perform compared to conventional binary bits.

However, currently, there is no overarching infrastructure to enable widespread interaction with quantum computers through information and communication technologies, as there is with digital computers. Without an established ICT structure, quantum computing cannot be extended to the devices, networking, and components that are commonplace in today’s digital world.

The EPIQC project brings together researchers to work on the interface of quantum computing and ICT through the co-creation and networking activities.

The collaborators will focus on three key areas of work to help overcome some of the barriers which are currently preventing the field of quantum computing from scaling up to practical applications through ICT: optical interconnects, wireless control and readout, and cryoelectronics.

Professor Martin Weides from the University of Glasgow’s James Watt School of Engineering and leader of EPIQC said: “We’re pleased that EPSRC has chosen to lend their support to this project, which involves many of the leading quantum technology and ICT researchers and industry partners from across the UK.

“Together, we have the expertise and access to facilities which will help us tackle some tricky problems. We expect to develop a robust network of collaboration and co-creation which will produce some exciting results and help further develop the roadmap to realise the potential of quantum computing interfaces.”

Recommended

• DIGIT Deal Roundup | February 2022
• Silicon Valley programme cohort announced by Startup Grind Scotland
• Tech Engineers – Don’t build a spaceship just to go to the shops

EPIQC builds on existing quantum research and development at the University of Glasgow, which includes leading QuantIC, the UK Quantum Technology Hub in Imaging, which was launched in 2014 as part of the £1bn UK National Technologies Programme.

Dr Hadi Heidari, also from the James Watt School of Engineering and co-lead of EPIQC, added: “This is the first quantum computing project of its kind to place co-creation between quantum computing and ICT researchers at its heart alongside industry.

“We’re delighted to have some of the world’s leading quantum computing and ICT experts from academia onboard right from the start to help us deliver advances in quantum computing.

“It is a fast-expanding field with the potential for truly transformative change, and we’re pleased to be playing a leading role in supporting the UK as a centre for quantum computing excellence.”

Get the latest news from DIGIT direct to your inbox

Our newsletter covers the latest technology and IT news from Scotland and beyond, as well as in-depth features and exclusive interviews with leading figures and rising stars.

To subscribe, click here.