Want to muck around with a real quantum computer? Now you can

A new open-access facility in Queensland, Australia, aims to make quantum computing accessible to researchers and industry professionals. This National Quantum Computing Testbed, costing A$10.5 million, is a collaborative effort between the University of Queensland and CSIRO. Quantum computers, unlike classical computers, use qubits instead of bits.

While bits can only be either 0 or 1, qubits can exist in a state of superposition, being both 0 and 1 at the same time. This property enables quantum computers to process large datasets much faster than classical computers, potentially leading to advancements in various fields such as medicine, renewable energy, cybersecurity, and urban design.

However, accessing a quantum computer is currently expensive and limited to cloud services like IBM Quantum Experience and AWS Braket, which only allow users to send inputs and receive outputs without providing insight into the processor's operation. The newly opened testbed in Queensland will feature a 5-qubit superconducting chip, with potential for future upgrades.

It comes equipped with advanced quantum software and simulation capabilities, providing hands-on options for university researchers and high-level software for industry engineers to test practical applications. This open-access facility aims to bridge the gap between early-stage innovation and commercial-scale opportunities in the rapidly evolving field of quantum computing.

Global tech giants and startups are racing to develop practical quantum computers, but testbed facilities like this one can expedite the process by providing a deeper understanding of quantum processors' operation.