Canadian quantum computing outfit BTQ Technologies has partnered with Macquarie University on advanced quantum algorithms and secure communications research.
The strategic partnership, announced on Tuesday, will look to integrate quantum processing into communications protocols to improve speed, security and energy efficiency, the NEO Exchange-listed company said.
It builds on an earlier contract between the BTQ and Macquarie Uni, which resulted in the development of a post-classical consensus algorithm for blockchain transactions, dubbed Quantum Proof-of-Work (QPoW), in 2022.
According to the Vancouver-based BTQ, the QPow “dramatically reduces the energy footprint of blockchain technologies by integrating quantum samplers into the consensus mechanism”.
Macquarie University’s Dr Gopikrishnan Muraleedharan and Professor Gavin Brennen, who is also director of BTQ’s Australian arm are leading the work, which began at the start of July.
The team will also oversee Sydney Quantum Academy PhD students funded through a $3.6 million CSIRO program designed to create a future pipeline of quantum leaders in Australia.
Professor Brennen said the project that would take place is a “unique opportunity to address the pressing security challenges posed by the advent of large-scale quantum computers”.
“BTQ’s foundation by post-quantum security experts and its dedication to tackling quantum security threats aligns perfectly with our mission at Macquarie,” he said in statement.
Macquarie University’s pro vice-chancellor for Research, Innovation and Enterprise Professor Dan Johnson said the partnership “represents a significant advancement in translating quantum research into real-world applications”.
“This collaboration not only strengthens our quantum computing capabilities but also provides valuable industry experience for our PhD students,” Professor Johnson said on Tuesday.
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