Sep 10, 2024

Quantum News Briefs September 10: DOE announces $65M for quantum computing research • Xiphera develops quantum-resilient hardware security solutions for space • PsiQuantum announces Brisbane Lab to support utility-scale quantum computing • Spectral Capital unveils ambitious Q4 strategy & roadmap for technology acquisition & development • By Sandra Helsel posted 10 Sep 2024 DOE announces $65M for quantum computing research The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced $65 million in funding in quantum computing for 10 projects, comprising a total of 38 separate awards according to September 9 news release . This particular funding targets software, control systems, and algorithmic advancements that will demonstrate quantum computing’s utility for scientific research problems in DOE’s mission space by improving all levels of the software stack. This investment targets end-to-end software toolchains to program and control quantum systems at scale, quantum algorithms delivering quantum advantage and resilience through error detection, prevention, protection, mitigation, and correction. These are key components for the development of a software ecosystem that must be ready to account for modularity and interoperability on one side, and for specialization and performance on the other. Total funding is $65 million for 38 projects lasting up to five years, with $14 million in Fiscal Year 2024 dollars and outyear funding contingent on congressional appropriations. The list of projects and more information can be found on the DOE SC Advanced Scientific Computing Research program homepage . Xiphera develops quantum-resilient hardware security solutions for space Xiphera, Ltd, a Finnish company designing and implementing hardware-based security solutions, has announced a project for developing quantum-resilient Authenticated Boot and Hardware Root of Trust solutions for space-grade semiconductor architectures according to September 10 news release. Authenticated Boot and Hardware Root of Trust solutions ensure trust in the digital hardware components and system configurations in space and satellite infrastructures. Xiphera’s implementations are based on hybrid cryptography – a combination of traditional and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) – thus ensuring the security of the system throughout its life cycle. The development project is partially financed by the European Space Agency, as part of its  General Support Technology Program (GSTP ). The solutions have been designed in close co-operation with Frontgrade Gaisler, a leading Swedish developer of space-grade electronics. Authenticated Boot is planned to be integrated into  Frontgrade Gaisler’s space-grade GR765 processor . The Authenticated Boot and Hardware Root of Trust technologies are productised for general availability in Xiphera’s  nQrux® family of Hardware Trust Engines  – highly optimised and customisable security solutions for FPGAs and ASICs. The first released product is  nQrux® Secure Boot , available immediately for semiconductor and equipment vendors in space technology and other industrial and critical infrastructure sectors. PsiQuantum announces Brisbane Lab to support utility-scale quantum computing PsiQuantum is set to expand its operations in Queensland, Australia, with the opening of a ‘Test & Characterization’ lab at Griffith University’s Nathan Campus in Brisbane as per the September 9 news release . The lab space at Griffith’s Nathan Campus will be renovated with PsiQuantum expecting to move into the new space in early 2025. This news was announced by PsiQuantum co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer Pete Shadbolt at Griffith University during an address to students and faculty. This expansion follows PsiQuantum’s recent announcement partnering with five Queensland universities on various educational programs and research projects relating to quantum computing. The ‘Test and Characterization’ lab at Griffith University will perform critical characterization and calibration methods for PsiQuantum’s high-performance subsystems essential for PsiQuantum’s first utility-scale system in Brisbane. The lab will be operated exclusively by PsiQuantum and will focus on both cryogenic and room-temperature photonic quantum computing subsystems and will ensure the integrated operation of combined subsystems at high performance. The lab will also facilitate training for engineers and physicists in configuring, operating, and upgrading core elements of the quantum computer. It will serve as a hub for experimental research partnerships with universities and research organizations. Initially, the lab will require experts in applied quantum physics, photonics, electronics, and programming. In the future, there will be a need for more general engineering and applied physics expertise. Spectral Capital unveils ambitious Q4 strategy & roadmap for technology acquisition & development Spectral, a pioneer in Quantum as a Service (QaaS) computing and decentralized cloud services, announced its Q4 strategy and roadmap aimed at accelerating technology acquisition and development on September 9 in news release . Spearheaded by its leadership and board, this initiative marks a pivotal step in the company’s mission to redefine the technological landscape with quantum computing, green decentralized data centers, and cutting-edge security solutions. At the heart of this strategy is the company’s Quantum Bridge Program, an advanced framework that seamlessly connects today’s edge and hybrid markets with the future of quantum computing. Spectral, through its recently acquired Vogon Cloud company, is set to establish a network of micro data centers across 16 key regions for a decentralized and energy-efficient system that enable businesses to operate without relying on outdated infrastructure. This bold move supports the creation of green, decentralized data hubs that will power the next generation of computing.