Q-CTRL and Diraq Join Forces to Ensure Funding for Three Quantum Projects in the Public Sector

Q-CTRL, a global leader in the development of practical quantum technologies through quantum control infrastructure software, and Diraq, a prominent innovator in silicon-based quantum computing, have announced a collaborative venture encompassing three multi-million-dollar projects aimed at advancing the commercial adoption of quantum computing. This partnership signifies the initial phase of an anticipated collaboration poised to introduce groundbreaking quantum computing capabilities to the global market, originating from Australia.

These two Australian quantum technology firms will jointly execute three projects. Two of these projects are funded by the NSW Office of the Chief Scientist and Engineer’s Quantum Computing Commercialisation Fund (QCCF), while the third is supported by the U.S. Army Research Office. Responsibilities for these projects are shared, with Diraq focusing on the development and provision of its silicon-based quantum computing hardware, while Q-CTRL will design and integrate its quantum infrastructure software solutions to maximize the end-user value derived from the hardware.

Q-CTRL and Diraq underscore Australia’s pivotal role in the worldwide quantum technology industry. Diraq’s hardware employs an innovative spins-in-silicon technology, offering unparalleled scalability in the number of qubits, reaching into the millions and potentially billions per chip. Meanwhile, Q-CTRL is a pioneering enterprise dedicated to enhancing quantum infrastructure software to enhance the utility and performance of quantum hardware. Michael Biercuk, the founder and CEO of Q-CTRL, and Andrew Dzurak, the founder and CEO of Diraq, have been collaborators for over two decades, first in academia and later in the industry, and are recognized as leaders in their respective technical domains.

Australia’s quantum ecosystem is thriving, and with the recently introduced National Quantum Strategy, the government has taken proactive measures to support the growth of the industry.

The Quantum Computing Commercialisation Fund, an initiative from New South Wales, aims to empower Australian quantum computing hardware and software firms. These projects concentrate on elevating the commercial and technological readiness of quantum computing technologies to bolster long-term commercial endeavors. The collaborative projects between Diraq and Q-CTRL will contribute to the realization of Australia’s first cloud-accessible silicon quantum processor, directing this technology toward providing state-of-the-art capabilities to the nation’s globally influential financial services sector.

Andrew Dzurak, CEO, and Founder of Diraq, remarked, “The partnership between Diraq and Q-CTRL exemplifies our shared commitment to driving the next era of innovation in the quantum computing industry, both locally in Australia and globally. We are delighted to collaborate with Q-CTRL, leveraging our specialized areas of expertise to jointly drive successful outcomes across these transformative projects.”

Australian companies and university teams have long been engaged with the US Army Research Office to support the development of quantum computing capabilities. In the current project led by Diraq, both teams will focus on developing novel techniques for operating and optimizing next-generation silicon quantum processors. The ARO R&D program now aligns with quantum technology initiatives supported under the trilateral AUKUS agreement’s Pillar II, which is aimed at enhancing capabilities and interoperability, with a focus on cyber capabilities, AI, quantum technologies, and undersea capabilities. In July, Q-CTRL announced a separate agreement with the Australian Department of Defence, centered around quantum sensors for navigation, with technological advancements to be shared with AUKUS partners in the US and UK.

Michael Biercuk, CEO, and Founder of Q-CTRL, expressed excitement about this collaboration: “It’s exciting to see Australia’s two leading quantum computing companies collaborating to deliver true sovereign capability in one of the most profound technical fields of the century. We’re thrilled to be helping accelerate the work of our friends at Diraq and ensuring these powerful new systems deliver value broadly across the Australian and global economies.”

About Diraq

Diraq is a global leader in the development of quantum processors using silicon ‘quantum dot’ technology, leveraging over two decades of engineering and research expertise at UNSW Sydney and backed by an extensive IP portfolio. Diraq’s mission is to revolutionize full-stack quantum computing by increasing qubit numbers on a single chip to the millions and ultimately billions required for practical commercial applications.

By capitalizing on existing chip fabrication technology and the ability to mass-produce qubits within current semiconductor facilities, Diraq is accelerating the transformation that could reshape computing as we know it today. Diraq’s platform architecture is purpose-built to drive the significant processing advancements needed to lower cost and energy barriers and unlock quantum computing’s full societal and economic potential.

About Q-CTRL

Q-CTRL, founded by Michael J. Biercuk in 2017, stands at the forefront of quantum technology innovation. Our quantum control infrastructure software serves as an indispensable tool for both R&D professionals and quantum computing enthusiasts. We are dedicated to delivering world-class error-correction and suppression techniques, paving the way for the realization of practical quantum computers and advanced quantum sensors.

Our quantum sensing division is recognized globally for its groundbreaking software-level innovations, enhancing strategic capabilities in the quantum realm. Additionally, we’re proud to introduce Black Opal, an educational platform designed to expedite the learning process for quantum computing enthusiasts.

As an inaugural member of the IBM Quantum Network startup program since 2018, our performance management software seamlessly integrates with IBM’s quantum computers. With international headquarters in Sydney, Los Angeles, Berlin, and London, Q-CTRL has solidified its position as a leading software company in the ever-evolving quantum technology landscape.