PsiQuantum Announces New Test & Characterization Lab at Griffith University to Advance Quantum Photonic Systems and Workforce Training

Insider Brief:

• PsiQuantum CEO Pete Shadbolt announced a Test & Characterization Lab at Griffith University, set to open in early 2025.

• The lab will offer hands-on experience for engineers and physicists as well as focus on calibration and characterization of high-performance photonic subsystems.

• PsiQuantum’s new lab will operate closely with global facilities, with plans to eventually merge its activities with a larger quantum computing facility in Brisbane as the company scales toward building modular quantum machines.

In a recent address at Griffith University, PsiQuantum CEO Pete Shadbolt announced the upcoming opening of a Test & Characterization Lab at Griffith University’s Nathan Campus in Brisbane, scheduled for early 2025. The lab will perform essential characterization and calibration tasks for PsiQuantum’s high-performance photonic subsystems. The facility will also serve as a key space for workforce development, providing training for engineers and physicists in quantum computing technologies.

As noted in the release, the lab will contribute to the training of the next generation of quantum scientists and engineers. Griffith University Vice Chancellor and President, Professor Carolyn Evans, emphasized the impact of the collaboration: “We are excited about the partnership with PsiQuantum and the opportunities it will bring for more Queensland students to build future-focused STEM careers, while building on more than 20 years of leading research in quantum technology here at Griffith and across the state.” The lab will provide hands-on experience in configuring and upgrading quantum systems, invaluable experience for those looking to enter into the quantum workforce.

From a technical perspective, the lab will focus on both cryogenic and room-temperature photonic quantum computing subsystems, ensuring that these components function at high performance within PsiQuantum’s future utility-scale systems. PsiQuantum Senior Director of Technical Partnerships, Professor Geoff Pryde, highlighted the importance of this development: “As PsiQuantum’s operations continue to grow in Australia, it was important that our technical team members in Brisbane have a dedicated space for their work in collaboration with our teams around the world. We’re thrilled to partner with Griffith University to develop this new lab at Nathan Campus that will see a specialized team play a major role in the development of our first utility-scale systems.” The lab will operate in close collaboration with PsiQuantum’s global facilities, with results feeding directly into the company’s production.

According to the announcement, PsiQuantum plans to move into the newly renovated space at Griffith University in early 2025. This announcement follows their recent partnership with five Queensland universities, which supports educational programs and research initiatives focused on quantum computing. The lab’s opening will continue to expand PsiQuantum’s presence in Queensland and encourage long-term collaboration with academic institutions.

As PsiQuantum transitions to developing a large, modular quantum machine, ensuring that multiple subsystems operate efficiently will become essential. The new lab will provide a space to work out processes for high-performance operation, and over time, its activities are expected to merge with the larger quantum computing facility planned for Brisbane.