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Jeremy OBrien, CEO of PsiQuantum, is developing the worlds first utility-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer. At the Third Annual Commercialising Quantum Global event hosted by The Economist, OBrien discussed quantum computing, detailing the path PsiQuantum is taking and the exciting potential of their technology.

OBrien explained that fault-tolerant quantum computers are essential because errors are inevitable in quantum systems.

Things go wrong in a regular computer as well, but they go wrong at a rate thats so low that we typically dont have to worry about error correction, OBrien said.

In quantum computing, however, the error rates are higher, necessitating robust error correction methods to ensure useful computations. PsiQuantums approach diverges from many in the field by focusing on building a large-scale, fault-tolerant system from the outset.

OBrien underlined this: We took that approach because it was our belief that all of the utility, all of the commercial value, would come with those large-scale systems with error correction. He added: There will be no utility in those small noisy systems that we have back then and indeed today.

PsiQuantum is leveraging photonics and the existing semiconductor manufacturing industry to achieve their ambitious goals. OBrien described their strategy: We spent 20 years in the University Research environment trying to figure out if there was a path whereby, we could use the semiconductor industry and the computer systems industry in full to make a quantum computer. He noted that their conviction is based on the extraordinary manufacturing capabilities developed over decades, which produce a trillion chips a year, each containing billions of components.

The companys first major project is the development of a fault-tolerant quantum computer in Brisbane, scheduled for completion in 2027. OBrien detailed the setup: Its a system with of order 100 cabinets, each filled with hundreds of silicon chips, half of them photonic, half of them electronic, all wired up electrically as well as optically using conventional telecommunication fibers. This system, when operational, is expected to address significant problems across various industries, particularly in sustainability.

OBrien highlighted the potential impact on battery technology.

Although everyone as far as I can tell has a lithium-ion battery in their hand right now, we dont understand how those things work, he said, while explaining that understanding and simulating the chemistry of these batteries is beyond the capability of conventional computers. Quantum computers, however, could unlock new insights, leading to the design of better batteries and other advanced materials.

The pharmaceutical industry is another area poised to benefit.

We have drugs that we consume which we dont know how they work, OBrien said, pointing out the limitations of current simulation capabilities. Quantum computers could revolutionize drug development by accurately simulating molecular interactions, significantly speeding up the discovery process and improving drug efficacy.

PsiQuantums use of photonics on silicon chips is a key factor in their accelerated timeline. OBrien explained: Photonics is an approach that enables you to scale in large part because of the leverage of the manufacturing but also the connectivity and the cooling and control electronics. This innovative approach allows for rapid development and deployment of their quantum systems.

As PsiQuantum moves towards their 2027 goal, OBrien is already looking ahead.

We have plans for the next generation of systems that will be bigger and more capable, he said, which indicates a future of continuous improvement and expansion in quantum computing capabilities.

More:
Quantum Computings Next Frontier, A Conversation with Jeremy OBrien - The Quantum Insider