Intel invests $50m in the Delft University of Technology to advance quantum computing

Quantum computing holds the promise of solving complex problems that are practically insurmountable today, changing the world for the better, says Intel CEO Brian Krzanic

The Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in the Netherlands and the Dutch Organisation for Applied Research (TNO) have partnered with Intel in a 10-year project to accelerate advancements in quantum computing.

Intel will invest $50m into QuTech, the quantum research institute of the Delft University of Technology over the next decade. The scheme will see the multinational technology company provide "significant" engineering resources for the project, as well as providing on- and off-site technical support. Experts predict that quantum computing could be available and ready for use in the next 12 years.

The ultimate aim of the collaboration between TU Delft and Intel is to speed up the development of quantum computing, something that promises a vast improvement over the performance of the world's current high-performance computers for certain tasks.

Unlike current digital computers, which require data to be encoded into binary digits, qauntum computers use quantum bits (qubits).

These qubits can exist in multiple different states at the same time, offering the potential to crunch large numbers of complex datasets and calculations in parallel, speeding up the entire process.

It's predicted that the power of the machines will bring numerous benefits to humanity by providing far more accurate data analysis, which could improve everything from intricate simulations of financial transactions to providing the key to more effective development of medicines and drugs.

"In the next five to 10 years, progress in quantum computing will increasingly require the combination of excellent science with high-level engineering," said lead scientist Lieven Vandersypen from QuTech, who described how partnering with Intel will benefit the project.

"For the realisation of complex circuits containing large numbers of quantum bits, the know-how from the semiconductor industry is essential, and QuTech is thrilled to partner with the leading semiconductor company in the world."

Mike Mayberry, Intel vice president and managing director of Intel Labs, also welcomed the partnership with QuTech and spoke of the advances it could possibily bring in future.

"Expertise in specialised electronics combined with advanced physics is required to move quantum computing closer to being a reality.

"While qubit development has been the focus of quantum computing research to date, low-temperature electronics will be required to connect, control and measure multiple qubits, and this is where we can contribute," he said.

"Our collaboration with QuTech will explore quantum computing breakthroughs that could influence the industry overall," Mayberry added.

In a blog post titled The Promise of Quantum Computing, Intel CEO Brian Krzanich wrote about why he sees qauntum computing as such an important project for Intel to be working on.

"Quantum computing is one of the more promising areas of long-term research we've been exploring in our labs, with some of the smartest engineers in the world. We believe it has the potential to augment the capabilities of tomorrow's high performance computers," he said.

"Quantum computing holds the promise of solving complex problems that are practically insurmountable today, changing the world for the better. That's a technology I think we'll all be incredibly proud to play a part in developing," he added.

While quantum computing offers huge potential benefits, there are also risks that must be addressed, such as the threat the technology could pose to internet security.