Other quantum computers, such as those being developed by IBM and Google, require super-low or cryogenic temperatures of minus 270 degrees or complex laser systems to function.
“In contrast to other quantum computing systems, our product operates at room temperature, is cheaper, has lower energy consumption and just needs a power point and ethernet port to work,” he said, adding it was also a mountable unit that would fit in “existing rack-based data centres and supercomputing centre infrastructure”.
The simplicity of the computer means that it can be mass-deployed in data centres, hospitals, mines, space and even in laptops.
“It’s very robust. You can just slot it in and start doing work that you’ve always wanted to do. It really lowers the barrier to entry for quantum computing,” Mr Luo said.
Globally, quantum computers and related technology could create an $86 billion-a-year industry by 2040, and Australia could have a share of that, which would create 16,000 jobs and be worth at least $4 billion, a 2020 CSIRO report estimated.
Brian Schmidt, ANU’s vice-chancellor, said he expected the commercialisation of the Quantum Brilliance research to pay dividends in the near future.
“The university’s goal to create a billion-dollar company in the next five years will happen by supporting research commercialisation for spin-outs like Quantum Brilliance,” Professor Schmidt said. “Quantum Brilliance is a company in its early days. But while it is early days, backing it now could lead to huge pay-offs for all of us.”
Mr Luo said he had little doubt the company was destined to become a huge international success.
“Absolutely, this will become a billion-dollar company. The reason is that the skills and technical know-how to build a diamond quantum computer are extremely high. It’s really hard to replicate the performance capability of the people in the company. And we are the only early mover at the moment,” Mr Luo said.
The first Quantum Brilliance quantum computer, which is being built onsite at ANU, will be integrated into thePawsey Supercomputing Centrein Perth later in the year.
Mr Luo said the start-up received venture capital from an experienced group of serial entrepreneurs and investors, represented by James Kruger, angel investor in Cambridge Quantum Computing Company. CP Ventures and Jelix Ventures are also investors.
Quantum Brilliance was co-founded by ANU physicists Dr Marcus Doherty, who leads the Diamond Quantum Science and Technology Laboratory at ANU, Dr Andrew Horsley, a quantum scientist and engineer, and Mr Luo, who has worked for the CSIRO and as an investor in global venture capital and private equity.
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