The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi announced its Quantum Research Center (QRC) will build the UAE’s first quantum computer in collaboration with Qilimanjaro Quantum Tech. The computer will use superconducting qubits, the same technology used by Google and IBM. The first quantum chips are expected by the end of summer. Why it matters: This project positions the UAE as a leader in quantum computing research and development in the Middle East, potentially enabling breakthroughs in medicine, materials science, and AI.
The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi has launched a cloud API providing access to quantum-inspired algorithms developed by its Quantum Research Center (QRC). The platform offers a testbed for partners to evaluate and build proof-of-concept applications, with the first algorithm being a quantum annealing emulator. Access is provided through two interfaces, enabling large-scale classical simulations and supporting the solution of combinatorial optimization problems. Why it matters: This initiative expands TII's quantum ecosystem and facilitates applied research and early-stage industry experimentation with advanced computational methods in the GCC region.
The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) has appointed Dr. Leandro Aolita as Acting Chief Researcher of the Quantum Research Center (QRC) and Dr. Frederico Brito as Acting Director of the Quantum Computing Hardware Laboratories. Dr. José Ignacio Latorre will remain an external advisor for QRC while Dr. Brito maintains his professorship at the University of Sao Paulo. These appointments come as the UN declares 2025 the Year of Quantum Technology and Science. Why it matters: The leadership changes at TII's quantum research center signal continued investment in quantum technologies within the UAE and the broader region.
Dr. Abdulla AlHajri, a Senior Researcher at the Quantum Research Center (QRC), co-authored a paper published in Nature Communications titled “Quantum Physics in Connected Worlds.” The research, conducted with scientists from the University of Oxford, investigated the impact of geometry and structure on fundamental system properties. It identified structures with unusual geometry capable of altering material magnetic properties uniquely. Why it matters: This publication highlights the growing quantum research capabilities in the UAE and QRC's contributions to cutting-edge physics.
Dr. Giampiero Marchegiani from the Quantum Research Center (QRC) co-authored a paper in Nature Nanotechnology on bipolar thermoelectricity in Josephson junctions. The research demonstrates the generation of electrical current using heat, observing bipolar thermoelectricity where the device generates either positive or negative electrical signals without extra control. Integrating these junctions into a bipolar thermoelectric Josephson engine (BTJE) allowed the generation of up to ~140nW/mm2 of electric power at subkelvin temperatures. Why it matters: This BTJE engine may have applications in superconducting technology, potentially strengthening the UAE's position in quantum technologies.
Researchers at the Quantum Research Center's (QRC) Quantum Communications lab (QComms) achieved a milestone by demonstrating the violation of a Bell inequality using pairs of polarized entangled photons. This achievement serves as a "quantum health check" for their entangled photon source. The QRC team is working to harness entanglement effects in ultra-secure key distribution schemes to enhance secure communication. Why it matters: This advancement validates the application-readiness of QRC's quantum communication devices, paving the way for enhanced security in communication technologies within the region.
Prof. Luigi Amico of the Quantum Research Center (QRC) has been awarded a US$250,000 Julian Schwinger Foundation (JSF) Grant for his 'Rydberg Atomtronics' project. The project involves experimental sampling managed by Prof. Oliver Morsch’s group in Pisa and will run in collaboration with the University of Catania and the University of Pisa. The grant will facilitate the development of quantum circuits using Rydberg excitations for fast quantum devices and quantum computing. Why it matters: This funding and collaboration strengthens the UAE's position in quantum computing research and fosters international partnerships in advanced technology.
Technology Innovation Institute (TII)'s Quantum Research Center (QRC) has developed 'Qibo', an open-source quantum computing programming framework, in collaboration with global researchers. Qibo supports quantum algorithms across different computer systems, including GPUs and multiple quantum devices, and is written in Python and C/C++. The framework aims to run quantum algorithms across different quantum computers and simulators and outperformed other computing languages in initial benchmark studies. Why it matters: This open-source framework can accelerate quantum research and applications in the region, contributing to advancements in areas like AI, finance, and life sciences.