AI could fly thanks to a quantum of canucks
Swedish networking vendor Ericsson has opened Mitacs, a quantum research hub in Montreal, Canada as it investigates whether quantum mechanics can expedite the development of distributed computing. Ericsson Research is exploring how future comms can build up a network compute fabric powerful enough run AI using quantum computing, explained Head of Ericsson Research Magnus Frodigh. This lab creates a single execution environment for massively distributed intelligent applications. “[We are testing the theory] that quantum technologies that can have an exponential effect on computation time and memory footprint to solve challenging communication problems,” said Frodigh.
Ericsson will pair its researchers with post-doctoral fellows at a number of Canadian universities to carry out fellowships at Ericsson. They will support quantum research projects. Exploring the possibilities of quantum-powered algorithms will provide the academic challenge the need for their post graduate doctorates, while honing their telecom and networking competence in top class facilities. A not-for-profit research organisation, Mitacs will support the universities by attracting, training and employing qualified personnel in quantum science and technology through experimental ventures. It gives the students real world and cutting-edge skills development by pairing interns to work with researchers at Ericsson Canada and institutions such as the University of Ottawa and the University of Sherbrooke.
Ericsson’s Canadian division is convinced the quantum sector will be key to fuelling Canada’s economy, technology and growth. According to a 2020 NRC study quoted by Ericsson, the Canadian quantum industry will be a $139bn industry that employs 209,200 people by 2045. The Canadian government’s recently launched National Quantum Strategy has made it a good base for Ericsson’s research efforts, according to Jeanette Irekvist, President, Ericsson Canada. “Our experts at Ericsson have long been studying how to best innovate quantum technologies into communications networks. It’s our hope that this first-of-its-kind programme will translate quantum research into commercial innovations that generate economic benefits and support the adoption of made-in-Canada solutions by businesses,” said Irekvist.
Quantum technologies will shape the course of our future and Canada is at the forefront, according to The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, the Canadian government’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. This partnership will cement Canada’s competitive advantage for decades to come, said Champagne. Quantum comms could completely change the thinking on distributed computing and secure communications, according to Anne Broadbent, Associate Professor, Research Chair in Quantum Information, and Fellow, Nexus for Quantum Technologies Institute (NEXQT) at the University of Ottawa, who said the university can tangibly advance our knowledge on quantum networks, in a stimulating training environment.
Stefanos Kourtis, Assistant Professor, Université de Sherbrooke and Institut quantique, outlined the challenge. “Can we harness quantum principles to accelerate information processing today? That means coming up with hybrid quantum-classical and quantum-inspired protocols that do not depend on large fault-tolerant quantum processors.”