Chipping Away at Quantum Computing Challenges and Opportunities

• A recent Standards Australia forum explored key priority areas, challenges & opportunities for quantum computing in Australia.
• The forum follows an Australian breakthrough in quantum computing with the first integrated silicon quantum atomic-scale integrated circuit.
• Standards Australia is committed to working with stakeholder industries to assist in the development of Australia’s quantum computing sector.

Recognising the importance of quantum computing to science, technology and the economy, Standards Australia has been making inroads this complex arena.
 
In March this year the organisation held a Forum on Quantum Computing, which identified opportunities in international standards development to assist with its commitment.
 
The intent of the forum was to identify and inform stakeholders on industry challenges and opportunities for standards development in this important space.
 
During the Forum, Dr Ian Oppermann, NSW Government's Chief Data Scientist, outlined the importance of international alignment in the development of standards. allowing for the Australian industry to easily be part of the international marketplace.
 
The forum identified that Australia should become actively involved in the International Organization for Standardization and the International Electrotechnical Commission's joint technical committee’s working group for quantum computing (ISO/IEC JTC 1/ WG 14).
 
“It is vital that Australia is contributing to international standards to support the safety of appropriateness and good governance of emerging technology. Also important is that we address any gaps, overlaps and strategic assets of quantum technology,” said Jesse Riddell, Senior International Partnerships Manager at Standards Australia.
 
The following areas of priority were also identified:

• Hardware and Quantum Stack
• Uptake, education, training, and awareness
• Cyber security, safety, and privacy
• Secure supply chains and quantum infrastructure
• Software adaptability to quantum software developments
• Application of principles and guidelines regarding the social impact of quantum technology 
• Error correction and fault tolerance – control and software
• Benchmarks for quantum solutions mapped against classic technologies. 

The quantum computing field is evolving rapidly – for example, in June this year a Sydney-based company, Silicon Quantum Computing, made the first integrated silicon quantum atomic-scale integrated circuit - a breakthrough for the quantum industry. The circuit will assist in constructing quantum models for a variety of products including pharmaceuticals, batteries and more[1].
 
“Market research has revealed that Australia was an early contributor to quantum technology with the establishment of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computing and Atom Optics in the early 2000s,” said Jesse Riddell, Senior International Partnerships Manager at Standards Australia.
 
“However, there are challenges for Australia’s ambition to grow our capability in this field, including building a quantum educated workforce, integrating quantum technology with classical computing systems, a lack of adequate infrastructure to scale-up pilot manufacturing and how to prevent Australia’s quantum talent pool from migrating overseas.”
 
“To help overcome these challenges, Standards Australia is committed to participating in the development of contemporary relevant and internationally aligned standards.”
  
To find out more, please contact Jesse Riddell via email: jesse.riddell@standards.org.au