Pete Shadbolt on Facing the Challenges of Quantum Computing and Their Future Impact on Everyday Life.

Inside Short

• PsiQuantum, founded in 2016, is focused on connecting quantum computing to a million qubits, beyond today’s applications, to unlock its revolutionary potential in industries such as medicine, science and technology. property and power.
• Co-founder Pete Shadbolt highlighted PsiQuantum’s success in developing quantum chips at commercial semiconductor facilities, positioning them to build large-scale, photonic-based systems.
• With $700 million in private funding and $600 million from the Australian government, PsiQuantum aims to build the one millionth quantum computer by 2027, driving the next wave of quantum innovation.

In a recent interview, Pete Shadbolt, co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of PsiQuantum, went into detail about the ambitious future of quantum computing and its potential to disrupt industries. Speaking with quantum expert Johannes Galatsanos, Shadbolt discussed the journey of PsiQuantum, the unique challenges of building quantum computers, and how this revolutionary technology will ultimately affect the lives of how every day.

Since its founding in 2016, PsiQuantum has been at the forefront of quantum computing innovation.

“Quantum computing is not a get-rich-quick project,” Shadbolt said, noting that many people, including co-founder Jeremy O’Brien, have dedicated their entire adult lives to making it possible. quantum computing becomes a reality. The field, according to Shadbolt, has come a long way from its humble beginnings when getting a single qubit to work was a major breakthrough. Now, even young students can access real quantum computing through platforms like AWS and Google Cloud.

However, the real challenge is scaling up these systems. Shadbolt explained that to achieve the promised applications of quantum computing, systems need to scale up to about a million qubits — a far cry from the tiny systems seen today.

“You need a very large system to realize the promising applications of quantum computing, and by large, I mean about a million qubits relative to the 100 that Google has today,” he said. said so. PsiQuantum is fully committed to this path, aiming to avoid the “scientific features” often associated with quantum computing by building standard, microelectronics-based systems.

The company’s progress has been rapid, with Shadbolt proudly noting their ability to manufacture quantum chips in commercial semiconductor facilities.

“Now we can build quantum chips in a commercial semiconductor facility,” he shared, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the established manufacturing environment for their quantum photonic devices.

Despite the challenges ahead, PsiQuantum is confident in its supercomputer capabilities. Shadbolt expressed confidence in PsiQuantum’s record of overcoming skeptics, including skeptics within their own team.

“We’ve accomplished a lot of things that people were skeptical about, like putting superconductors into a commercial facility and creating a new 300 mm epitaxial deposition process,” Shadbolt said.

As for how quantum computers will directly affect everyday life, Shadbolt offered a grounded view. He dismissed the idea that anyone would need to program or interact with quantum computers directly, comparing their role to that of semiconductor fabrics.

“Semiconductor fabrics are a technology that is unfamiliar to most people… The second or third generation technology products become democratized and affect people’s lives,” he explained. Similarly, Shadbolt sees quantum computing fueling advances in industries such as medicine, materials science and energy, making its impact felt indirectly.

For the future, PsiQuantum has set ambitious goals, including plans to build ​​one million quantum computers by 2027. The company’s bold approach has received significant financial support, from including $700 million in private funding and $600 million from the Australian government, there. they plan to build their first hardware system.

Shadbolt and PsiQuantum are poised to lead the quantum revolution, and while the road ahead is tough, the company is steadfast in its mission.

“We’ve set very aggressive deadlines and are working like hell to deliver,” said Shadbolt, a statement that reflects PsiQuantum’s determination to drive PsiQuantum into a future where quantum computing becomes a reality.