{
  "id": 19322314,
  "title": "Quantum could solve AI energy drain, says tech founder",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/10/quantum-could-solve-ai-energy-drain-says-tech-founder-19322314",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-11-10T11:12:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Phys.org",
    "slug": "phys-org",
    "url": "https://phys.org/news/2026-11-quantum-ai-energy-tech-founder.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Quantum computing promises to address the massive energy consumption of artificial intelligence data centers, claims tech pioneer Andrew Dzurak of Australian startup Diraq. The company is conducting the first global field test of a small quantum computer in a Sydney data center. Dzurak explains that quantum computers, which leverage quantum mechanics principles, can handle complex calculations more efficiently than traditional computers. However, these quantum systems require extreme cold temperatures to operate, typically consuming around 20 kilowatts of power while running alongside room-temperature computers. Diraq's unique self-contained system reportedly uses under 20 kilowatts of power during operation. Potential applications extend beyond AI to molecular calculations in pharmaceuticals, lighter batteries, and more efficient chemical processes, with the company estimating that quantum computing could increase drug trial success by 10% and cut the cost of new medicines by one-third. The technology aims for commercial viability within the next five years, requiring cost-effective scalability. Diraq is among six global companies participating in the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) quantum benchmarking initiative, with another Australian startup, PsiQuantum, also involved and backed by a significant Australian government investment. Australia is experiencing a quantum computing boom, with the country regarded as a global leader in the field, home to over 50 quantum-related businesses. However, the challenge lies in commercializing these discoveries, a task supported by Australia's strategic national interest in quantum technology, particularly through the AUKUS defense partnership with the U.S. and Britain. Diraq's quantum computer, currently limited to eight qubits, is set to expand to 150,000 qubits by 2029 and ultimately 2 million qubits by 2031, achieving energy usage comparable to a couple of hundred kilowatts.",
  "summary": "Quantum computers could curb the vast energy demands of artificial intelligence data centers with their ability to run complex calculations, one of the tech's pioneers told AFP.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Economic Times Tech",
        "title": "Quantum could solve AI energy drain, says tech founder",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/10/quantum-could-solve-ai-energy-drain-says-tech-founder",
        "published": "2026-11-10T04:19:31.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}