Communications Physics journal has a focus collection on space quantum communications. The collection covers supporting technologies, new quantum protocols, inter-satellite QKD, constellations of satellites, and quantum inspired technologies and protocols for space based communication. Contributions are welcome from October 20, 2020 to April 30, 2021, and accepted papers are published on a rolling basis. Why it matters: Space-based quantum communication is a critical area for developing secure, global quantum networks, and this collection could highlight relevant research for the GCC region as it invests in advanced technologies.
Abu Dhabi's Technology Innovation Institute (TII) has developed a new quantum optimization solver in collaboration with NVIDIA, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and Caltech. The solver addresses large-scale combinatorial optimization problems using a small number of qubits, encoding over 7000 variables with only 17 qubits. Published in Nature Communications, the research demonstrates a hybrid quantum-classical algorithm with a novel encoding scheme that maximizes the use of quantum resources. Why it matters: This advancement marks a significant step toward practical quantum computing applications in the UAE and beyond, particularly in solving complex optimization challenges across various sectors.
This article summarizes presentations from an internal Quantum Research Center (QRC) workshop at the Technology Innovation Institute (TII). Topics covered included superconducting quantum computers, quantum coherent networks, quantum simulation, and quantum machine learning. Several presentations also discussed experimental quantum technologies. Why it matters: The workshop highlights TII's ongoing research activities in quantum computing and related technologies, signaling its commitment to advancing the field in the UAE.
The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi has launched a cloud service providing access to its in-house Quantum Processing Units (QPUs), which range from 5 to 25 qubits. Initially available to TII partners, the service allows users to run quantum workloads on TII’s quantum hardware via the cloud, using the open-source Qibo framework as the software layer. These QPUs feature in-house fabricated chips and demonstrate quantum coherence times up to ten times longer than TII's first-generation prototypes. Why it matters: This launch provides a platform for experimentation and development of hybrid quantum-classical workflows on locally developed infrastructure, accelerating quantum research in the region.