Europe's latest quantum computer is set to arrive in the Netherlands. The Dutch IT cooperative, SURF, which supports education and research institutions, has secured funding from the European EuroHPC programme to make this possible. Researchers from Leiden University will play a key role in the project, designing algorithms and machine learning pathways-methods by which the computer will learn to recognise patterns in data.
'For the Netherlands, this represents a major investment in our quantum ecosystem,' said Evert van Nieuwenburg, project leader of Leiden University's Applied Quantum Algorithms (aQa) research group. 'The Netherlands will soon play a key role in Europe's quantum infrastructure. Dutch companies will have the opportunity to contribute to the construction of the quantum computer and gain priority access to its use.'
For Van Nieuwenburg, this project also means? an exciting expansion of his research. 'I develop algorithms and machine learning routines that leverage quantum computing. Additionally, we're exploring practical applications of these new techniques-for example, solving complex physics or chemistry problems, or tackling any other challenges that demand immense computational power or optimisation.'
Super and quantum linked together
The aQa researchers are also responsible for integrating the forthcoming quantum computer with the existing supercomputer, Snellius. Both systems will soon be housed side by side in Amsterdam.
'I have high expectations for "hybrid quantum-classical computing" in the coming years,' Van Nieuwenburg notes, 'where classical computers will be used to control and optimise quantum systems. The Netherlands will soon be in a prime position to make direct contributions to this field.'
Read the press statement of SURF.
