Singapore strengthens quantum computing future through partnership with Quantinuum

Singapore has inked a collaboration and development deal with quantum computing company Quantinuum.

The memorandum of understanding was signed last week between Quantinuum and a handful of Singaporean institutions, including the city-state’s science and technology agency A*STAR, the National University of Singapore, the National Supercomputing Centre and the National Quantum Office.

Quantinuum will work with the organisations to create hybrid systems – which use both quantum and traditional computing – as well as on joint research and development projects and building “long-term strategic roadmaps”. Quantinuum will also set up initiatives and outreach aimed at fostering quantum skills in Singapore.

As part of the deal, the institutions will be able to use Quantinuum’s Helios and H series quantum systems. The organisations will explore new use cases for quantum computing including around computational biology, where the technology could be put to work on developing personalised medicine, discovering new medicines, and modelling complex biological systems.

Quantinuum, which has offices in Asia, the US, and Europe, will also set up an R&D office in Singapore under the agreement.

Singapore’s quantum computing push

Earlier this year, Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat announced the city-state’s National Quantum Strategy, a plan “to strengthen Singapore’s position as a leading hub in the development and deployment of quantum technologies”, backed by S$300 million in funding over the next five years.

Under the strategy, initiatives to drive the development of quantum sensors and processors will be established. A scholarship scheme will also be set up, with fundingi available for around 100 PhD and Master’s degree students, to develop Singapore’s quantum computing talent pool.

Singapore’s central bank and financial regulator, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), also recently announced a significant increase in funding for quantum initiatives.

In July, it unveiled S$100 million in investment for the finance sector, aimed at improving the uptake of AI and quantum computing. The regulator already earmarked S$150m for the same technologies in 2022.

Fintech companies can apply for grants which can be put towards expenses related to either exploring, adopting or building quantum systems, MAS said.

According to analysts IDC, the value of the quantum computing market is set to reach $7.6 billion by 2027, up from $1.1 billion in 2022. However, there will be significantly more spent on quantum computing over the period: $16.4 billion will be spent by public sector organisations, VCs and companies in 2027.