Quantum Computing Luminaries Launch Qolab to Develop ‘High-Quality’ Superconducting Qubits

Insider Brief

• Qolab, a new quantum computing startup, has been launched by Alan Ho, John Martinis, and Robert McDermott to develop utility-scale superconducting quantum computers.
• The company’s primary focus is improving qubit coherence, with partnerships including Applied Materials to develop advanced fabrication processes.
• Qolab aims to deliver practical, near-term quantum applications by leveraging the expertise of its founders and strategic industry collaborations.

The term, “dream team,” is a terrible cliche, used way too much in all categories and should never be used in a hard news story. But in this case…

A dream team of prominent figures in quantum computing has reportedly launched Qolab, a new venture focused on developing utility-scale superconducting quantum computers, according to a social media post. The startup, founded by Alan Ho, John Martinis and Robert McDermott, aims to improve qubit coherence and advance the practical application of quantum technology.

Alan Ho, who will serve as CEO of Qolab, announced the company’s formation in a recent LinkedIn post: “I’ve started a quantum computing company with John Martinis and Robert McDermott to build high-quality qubits.”

Ho brings extensive experience from his work at Google, where he played a significant role in building quantum computing and machine learning systems.

John Martinis, Chief Technology Officer for the company, is a physicist recognized for his leadership in quantum computing, particularly during his tenure at Google’s Quantum AI Lab. Martinis led the team responsible for achieving quantum supremacy in 2019, the first to demonstrate experimentally that a quantum computer could outperform classical supercomputers on a specific task.

Robert McDermott, who will head up hardware at Qolab, is the Roeske Professor of Physics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a 2020 Fellow of the American Physical Society. He was recognized for his contributions to understanding decoherence mechanisms in superconducting qubits and for developing new qubit control and readout methods.

Focus on Qubit Coherence

Qolab is currently recruiting quantum hardware scientists and engineers to join its efforts, according to a job posting. The company’s post suggest it is partnering with industry leaders in specific domains, including device fabrication, high-speed control electronics, and high-performance computing, to build robust quantum systems. According to a recent job posting, the first priority at Qolab is improving qubit coherence, a key factor in the reliability and performance of quantum computers.

To achieve this, Qolab has partnered with Applied Materials, a leader in semiconductor tooling, to develop proprietary fabrication processes. These processes are designed to enhance the stability of qubits, addressing one of the most significant challenges in quantum computing today.

Strategic Positioning

Qolab’s entry into the quantum computing space comes at a time when the technology is moving closer to practical applications. Superconducting qubits, which are central to Qolab’s work, are widely regarded as one of the most promising approaches to building scalable quantum computers. The company’s focus on “near-term beyond classical applications” suggests an emphasis on developing quantum systems that can deliver commercial value in the relatively short term.

The collaboration with Applied Materials positions Qolab to address critical issues in qubit fabrication, potentially setting the stage for advancements in quantum computing that could impact various industries, including cryptography, pharmaceuticals, and logistics.

Outlook

Qolab’s leadership team, with its deep expertise in quantum computing, positions the company to contribute meaningfully to the field. While details on the company’s specific projects and timeline remain limited, its focus on improving qubit coherence and leveraging strategic partnerships with industry leaders will be key areas to watch.