Zurich 22-May-2025
The National Quantum Computing Testbed Facility (NQCT) project in Queensland, Australia, led by A/Prof. Arkady Fedorov at The University of Queensland, has been awarded nearly AU$6 million under the Quantum and Advanced Technologies Commercialisation Infrastructure Program (QCIP). This initiative is part of the Queensland Quantum and Advanced Technologies Strategy, which aims to position Queensland as a leader in quantum innovation and shape the future of jobs and industries.
NQCT will be built upon expertise and support from leading partners: Australia’s national science agency CSIRO – led by Prof. Chris Vale and A/Prof. Muhammad Usman –, QuantWare, Rohde & Schwarz, and Zurich Instruments. The ultimate goal is to serve the Australian quantum community with an open-access platform to small-scale quantum processors at a lower cost and with deeper low-level access than on commercial cloud quantum computing services. Building this platform based on Zurich Instruments, Rohde & Schwarz, and QuantWare technology and expertise will enable the required offering of low-level access combined with know-how to support the users. The local facility in Australia will enable researchers to develop, optimize, and test low-level hardware interfaces, error correction, and novel computing designs. This will support local high-impact research, foster innovation, and serve as a platform for education and training, significantly benefiting Queensland and Australia.
The facility will offer a quantum computer setup continuously available for the community, while simultaneously developing and enhancing a second setup with advanced capabilities. The developments are carried out within the three-year duration of the project and include the full equipment of the facility, as well as the development of a user-friendly software interface.
The quantum computers made available will be based on superconducting circuit technologies, expanding the presence of this qubit modality – the most advanced technology for quantum computing – in Australia. QuantWare, a leading provider of superconducting-based QPUs, will provide The University of Queensland and the NCQT project with the necessary fully packaged hardware to initiate their quantum computing program, including a 5-qubit fixed coupler QPU (Soprano-D), J-TWPA (Crescendo-S), and shielding. In the later stage, UQ team will also develop their own QPUs with custom specifications for user access. Zurich Instruments and QuantWare have a history of successful collaboration, with demonstrated compatibility and interoperability between QuantWare’s QPUs and traveling-wave parametric amplifiers (TWPAs) and Zurich Instruments’ quantum computing control systems (QCCS). Rohde & Schwarz, with its strong expertise in RF technology will provide its latest test and measurement instruments to help characterize the QPU and measurement system in the prototyping and development phase. These include the R&S®ZNB3000 vector network analyzer, R&S®FSV3000 spectrum analyzer, and the R&S®RTO6 oscilloscope.
The project also aims to help further build up development and manufacturing capabilities of superconducting-based QPUs in Australia, which will significantly boost local quantum technology competencies. By co-developing and co-producing these chips in partnership with other Australian researchers and entities, the project aims to foster local innovation and strengthen the country’s position in the global quantum landscape. Finally, a user interface will be developed within the project, integrating the full-stack software framework developed by CSIRO and based on Zurich Instruments' software framework LabOne Q in the backend.
Zurich Instruments and Rohde & Schwarz were chosen for their unparalleled expertise and leadership in quantum control systems, as together they offer support for the entire QC development cycle – from design all the way to operation. This selection underscores Zurich Instruments' commitment to supporting innovative projects worldwide and strengthening its presence in Australia. As the chosen provider of instrumentation for the first Quantum Computing Testbed in Australia, Zurich Instruments is proud to contribute to the implementation of the Australian Quantum National Strategy. Their involvement highlights their dedication to pushing the boundaries of quantum technology and supporting national strategies that drive the future of quantum computing.
Press & media contact
Christian MokryPR Manager Test & measurement
+49 89 412913052
press@rohde-schwarz.com
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Rohde & Schwarz
Rohde & Schwarz is striving for a safer and connected world with its Test & Measurement, Technology Systems and Networks & Cybersecurity Divisions. For over 90 years, the global technology group has pushed technical boundaries with developments in cutting-edge technologies. The company's leading-edge products and solutions empower industrial, regulatory and government customers to attain technological and digital sovereignty. The privately owned, Munich based company can act independently, long-term and sustainably. Rohde & Schwarz generated net revenue of EUR 2.93 billion in the 2023/2024 fiscal year (July to June). On June 30, 2024, Rohde & Schwarz had more than 14,400 employees worldwide.
R&S® is a registered trademark of Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG.
About Zurich Instruments
Zurich Instruments is a Swiss company with a passion for phenomena that are often notoriously difficult to measure. We lead the change by providing advanced hardware, software and services for quantum computing control systems, lock-in amplifiers, impedance analyzers, and arbitrary waveform generators. As a company of scientists for scientists, we tackle challenges of research by delivering a wide product portfolio that reduces complexity of laboratory setups, unlocks new measurement strategies and complies to Swiss quality standards. Our commitment to collaborations and real-time support is reflected in seven offices worldwide, numerous research partnerships, and thousands of publications referring to Zurich Instruments. Since 2021, Zurich Instruments is a part of the Rohde & Schwarz and continues its scale up ambitions to advance science and accelerate the second quantum revolution.
About University of Queensland
The University of Queensland (UQ) is a leader in quantum science, with internationally recognised expertise in superconducting circuits, quantum optics, and quantum control. UQ is the lead institution of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems (EQUS), which continues to advance Australia’s quantum capability through cutting-edge research, infrastructure, and industry collaboration. The National Quantum Computing Testbed Facility builds on this foundation, extending UQ and EQUS' impact in the quantum technologies ecosystem.
About CSIRO
CSIRO is Australia’s national science agency and innovation catalyst. We solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. Our collaborative research turns science into solutions for food security and quality; clean energy and resources; health and wellbeing; resilient and valuable environments; innovative industries; and a secure Australia and region.
CSIRO is developing Australia’s quantum infrastructure and research capability across quantum computing, sensing and communications.
About QuantWare
QuantWare is a leading provider of quantum hardware and creator of the VIO Quantum Processor Unit (QPU) scaling technology. Leading the Quantum Open Architecture paradigm, QuantWare powers the quantum computers of customers in 20 countries, spread over four continents. QuantWare's VIO provides a scaling platform to unlock the fastest path towards systems with more than 1 million qubits. VIO is available in Quantum Processors designed by QuantWare, via Foundry Services, and as Packaging Service.
