Researchers from the Centre for Quantum Software and Information (QSI) developed an affordable, handy personal quantum computer emulator. It can run programming languages written for quantum computing and produce great results.
Presales for this product have already started happening, with shipments due in July. Co-founded by Simon Devitt and Chris Ferrie, the duo tends to make quantum computing understandable and accessible to everyone.
Empowering the next generation with quantum computing
The researchers are geared up to democratize access to the existing and rapidly growing field of quantum computing called Eigensystem. They aim to do this by levelling up the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators using the mode of education.
Quantum computers and quantum technology disrupt industries and promise a significant paradigm shift. One of its benefits is that it can solve complex problems in the blink of an eye. It can also support non-linear problems and can handle huge rises in the amounts of data.
Apart from this, quantum technology can also help with gauging machine learning, drug development, modeling chemical processes, finance, aircraft development, and lots more. It can also help in the world of research, however, it’s important to know who it is for. In the words of Ferrie, “Quantum technology has had limited engagement beyond the rarefied world of research and that means we need to reimagine what quantum education is and who it’s for.”
The duo is just aiming to revolutionize how people learn about quantum computing and STEM education in general. However, STEM technology still runs on a pretty archaic curriculum and is mostly driven by information processing. Quantum is poised to change that.
Quokka: Revolutionizing quantum learning with hands-on technology
The researchers hold the opinion that quantum literacy is likely to define the cutting edge of 21st-century innovation. However, the problem is that there isn’t a platform where students, educators and hobbyists could properly discover the possibilities.
“The Quokka allows users to explore the practical applications of quantum computing, providing hands-on and tactile experiences with cutting-edge technology”, said Ferrie. It emulates a 30-qubit fault-tolerant quantum computer, which doesn’t exist yet.
“The Quokka platform, including the device, is a tool for hands-on learning. It acts as a fault-tolerant quantum computer, unlike other quantum simulators,” he said.
“It allows you to experiment and learn about quantum algorithms and programs by interfacing with it exactly as you would have to with a future fault-tolerant quantum computer” he added.
The Quokka has been created with an objective of generating a dynamic learning ecosystem for students and professionals. “The basic tier of the platform comprises three programming interfaces. At the advanced level is a comprehensive library of content with access to lessons, tutorials, curated community projects, and the ability to share, mix, and co-create projects.”
“Then there’s Quokka Stories, a collection of narrative-driven lessons targeting the educational curriculum, reimagining science, technology, engineering and mathematics through the lens of information processing” Ferrie shared.
The duo are devising ways to revolutionize people’s learning about quantum computing and STEM education. They believed their product would be affordable and accessible to a wide range of users, like schools, professionals and enthusiasts.
ABOUT THE EDITOR
Gairika Mitra Gairika is a technology nerd, an introvert, and an avid reader. Lock her up in a room full of books, and you’ll never hear her complain.