PsiQuantum partners with Hartree Centre to develop quantum computing

The Rt. Hon. Michelle Donelan, MP, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, and the Mayor of Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram, visited STFC’s Daresbury Laboratory to mark the official opening of PsiDaresbury, a new next-generation quantum computing centre.

Backed by £9 million UK government funding, it is PsiQuantum’s first research and development (R&D) facility anywhere outside the US, with a mission to build the world’s first large scale quantum computer, capable of solving commercially-relevant problems.

Preparing for a quantum transformation

During the launch event, PsiQuantum also announced a new collaboration with the STFC Hartree Centre, aimed at cultivating practical industrial applications in preparation for the advent of large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computing.

The Hartree Centre, also located at the Sci-Tech Daresbury campus, is home to some of the UK’s most advanced supercomputing experts and technologies, such as artificial intelligence and data analytics. It provides UK industry with access to advanced high-performance computing technologies, expertise and training with the aim of boosting UK economic growth.

Supported by the National Security Strategic Investment Fund, this project combines the Hartree Centre’s industry and applications experience with PsiQuantum’s expertise in algorithm development for fault tolerant quantum computing.

Building a robust quantum ecosystem.

The project with the Hartree Centre has three aims:

• collaboratively develop algorithms to demonstrate the potential of PsiQuantum’s technology.
• facilitate PsiQuantum’s collaborations with industry partners.
• enhance the skillset of Hartree Centre experts in the field of quantum computing.

Tackling economic and societal problems

PsiQuantum’s location at Sci-Tech Daresbury in the Liverpool City Region, gives it vital access to STFC’s leading cryogenics experts, at one of Europe’s largest liquid-helium cryogenic plants.

Its work will lead on the development of advanced cryogenic systems, which are necessary as PsiQuantum’s single-photon detectors run at temperatures a few degrees above absolute zero.

This work represents a major step towards developing a ‘fault tolerant’ quantum computer, capable of solving commercially relevant problems.

“Quantum computing promises a new era of unprecedented computational capability, and its potential applications span a wide spectrum of use cases that will improve life across the UK. We welcome the addition of PsiQuantum’s new facility to the UK’s thriving ecosystem. Such partnerships, which bring together world-leading capabilities, will be critical to building the UK’s position as a science superpower in the coming years.” 

Rt. Hon. Michelle Donelan MP, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology

“Here at the Hartree Centre, we are extremely excited to be working in partnership with PsiQuantum, in its mission to build the technologies needed to realise the potential of quantum computing.

“Quantum computing is set to change the world we live in, to transform industry and change our lives for the better. By bringing together the experience and capabilities of both the Hartree Centre and PsiQuantum, we are developing a capability in quantum technologies that will ensure the UK remains at the forefront of this field.

“This is an exciting stepping stone towards building a significant and resilient quantum computing ecosystem for the North West.”

Kate Royse, Director of the Hartree Centre

“I couldn’t be more thrilled that PsiQuantum has chosen to launch its first R&D lab outside of the US, right here alongside Daresbury Laboratory and the Hartree Centre. With the wealth of quantum engineering talent here in the UK, together we are poised to achieve significant breakthroughs in quantum computing, with the potential to transform the world we live in.”

Paul Vernon, Head of STFC’s Daresbury Laboratory

“We are delighted to be working together with the Hartree Centre to develop fault-tolerant applications in anticipation of the arrival of utility-scale quantum computing.”

Prof. Mark Thompson, PsiQuantum Co-Founder and Chief Technologist

“Our area has been an architect to some of the greatest inventions and discoveries that have transformed the world – and it’s a legacy we’re proud to be continuing today.

By uniting world-leading experts and industry leaders, we’re innovating further and faster than ever before and developing technology that has the potential to not only transform industry – but change the world we live in.

“I want to establish the Liverpool City Region as a hotbed of innovation and new technology, and I’m confident that facilities like this will ensure that we can continue to attract highly skilled, well-paid jobs and opportunities from around the world to our area. I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for this partnership.”

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region