A spinout co-founded by a UCL professor has built the world's first full-stack quantum computer made with the same silicon chip technology that is used in laptops and phones.
The machine, built by the company Quantum Motion, is now installed at the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) in Oxfordshire, where researchers will test how it can be applied to real-world problems such as drug discovery.
A full-stack quantum computer refers to a complete, integrated system that includes all the layers needed to perform quantum computations - including a Quantum Processing Unit (QPU), a user interface, and a control stack compatible with standard quantum computing software.
Using standard silicon CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) technology, the same material used in global chip factories, means the quantum computers made by Quantum Motion could be more easily mass-produced.
The company was founded in 2017 by Professor John Morton, based at the London Centre for Nanotechnology at UCL, and Professor Simon Benjamin of Oxford University. It employs more than a hundred people, with headquarters in London and teams in the US, Australia and Spain, and has raised more than £62 million in equity and grant funding.
Professor Morton, now Chief Technology Officer at the company, said: "When I look at the new system we've delivered to the UK's National Quantum Computing Centre, built by the amazing interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers we've assembled at Quantum Motion, the message is clear: silicon quantum computing has just landed."
UK Science Minister Lord Vallance said: "Our National Quantum Computing Centre offers a unique space for innovators to trial new quantum technologies.
"This new form of quantum computer from Quantum Motion will take this groundbreaking technology another step closer to commercial viability - which could help support healthcare with faster drug discovery or clean energy by optimising energy grids."
A quantum computer harnesses some of the deepest laws of physics, normally seen only at the atomic and subatomic level, giving it unique powers to model the natural world.
Quantum computers could be more powerful than today's super computers and capable of performing complex calculations that are otherwise practically impossible, quickly finding new materials, drug discovery or optimising complex processes that can help tackle climate change.
James Palles‑Dimmock, CEO of Quantum Motion, said: "This is quantum computing's silicon moment. Today's announcement demonstrates you can build a robust, functional quantum computer using the world's most scalable technology, with the ability to be mass-produced."
Dr Michael Cuthbert, Director of NQCC, added: "The NQCC is accelerating UK quantum capabilities by evaluating a number of diverse hardware platforms by leading companies worldwide. The successful installation of Quantum Motion's system marks an important step forward in the NQCC's quantum computing testbeds initiative. The NQCC team are really excited to start test and validation of the system and better understand how real-world applications will map onto its silicon architecture."
