Eindhoven University of Technology (TUE) is aiming to have its own hybrid quantum computer ready by 2024. The project is partly funded by QuantumdeltaNL, which earlier this year received 23.5 million euros from the Dutch government to invest in quantum technology. The part classic and part quantum computer will be used for scientific calculations.
In a hybrid quantum computer, the quantum device will act as a quantum co-processor that works with a classical device, which will include circuits for control and pre and post-processing. Moreover, the algorithms that run on a hybrid quantum computer are more robust towards decoherence, and therefore reduce the need for quantum error correction – a tough nut that still has to be cracked for full-fledged quantum computing.
Once operational, the hybrid quantum computer will be connected to Quantum Inspire, a cloud-computing network accessible to everyone. One potential application is chemical and material science calculations, but it’s up to the users what they want to use the device for.