QUBIC is delighted to welcome Philipp Ernst, VP of Quantum Solutions, PsiQuantum to the University of Queensland for this exciting seminar series event.

Applying a utility-scale photonic quantum computer to decarbonisation and beyond

Speaker: Philipp Ernst, VP of Quantum Solutions, PsiQuantum
Date: Monday 4 November
Time: 1:30pm – 2:15pm AEST (followed by networking afternoon tea at UQ) / 2:30pm – 3:15pm AEDT
Location: Level 2 Seminar Room, Centre for Advanced Imaging (CAI), Building 57, Research Road, The University of Queensland, St Lucia. Registration essential.
Online: Click here to join the seminar

Abstract: Quantum computing promises to be profoundly transformational across a range of problem types and industries, including decarbonisation and climate tech. To date, much community interest has focussed on noisy small-scale systems, largely driven by the perceived time-to-availability of big quantum computers. However, it is now widely accepted that useful computational solutions require a very large computational depth, enabled by a large-scale fault-tolerant machine capable of handling errors.

PsiQuantum will build and deploy such a machine in Brisbane this decade, based on integrated photonic technology and the fusion-based quantum computation architecture. Our platform harnesses the industrial scalability of the highly-developed commercial semiconductor and photonics industries. We will briefly describe key elements of the PsiQuantum approach to realising this utility-scale quantum computer, from architecture to components to systems.

The rapid approach of a large error-corrected processor is driving corresponding quantum algorithms applications development across many fields. Research suggests fault-tolerant algorithms offer incredible speed-up potential for valuable applications of direct relevance to the decarbonisation and climate tech sectors. PsiQuantum is a core member of the new Queensland Quantum Decarbonisation Alliance—with partners UQ ,Griffith University, and others—to tackle problems in this area.

We will provide a view on some key areas of applications work for decarbonisation, how industry quantum and discipline experts can focus efforts in this area, and why stakeholders should embrace the paradigm of fault-tolerant applications development before the first systems come online.

Bio: Philipp is the Head of Quantum Solutions at PsiQuantum, the company focused on delivering the first utility-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer. His work focuses on developing new disruptive applications with customers and partners across the full spectrum of potential use cases. In this role, he is also co-leading PsiQuantum’s Qlimate initiative aiming to create highly impactful green tech applications with Gigaton decarbonization impact. Before joining PsiQuantum, he was a consultant with McKinsey focusing on innovation in emerging tech and specifically quantum technologies, having advised clients in advanced industries, chemicals, agriculture and consumer packaged goods on the topics of strategy and innovation. He also has deep knowledge in R&D and product development. Prior to joining McKinsey, he attained a PhD in Experimental Physics from the University of Hamburg.