Oxford Quantum Circuits to install quantum computer in Tokyo’s Equinix TY11 Datacenter

Redwood City-based digital infrastructure company Equinix and Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC) have announced that the latter will be installing its quantum technologies at Equinix's TY11 Tokyo International Business Exchange (IBX) data center, enabling companies around the world to trial and experiment with quantum technology for themselves via the former’s platform by late 2023.

“The world has been waiting for quantum computing to mature to the point that it can change our lives. Installing quantum computing in Equinix’s world-class TY11 data center brings us a step closer to this reality,” commented OQC CEO Dr. Ilana Wisby.

In July of last year OQC raised $46 million in order to accelerate its R&D programme, as well as investigate Asian market expansion plans. Then, early last month, the company revealed that it had raised an additional £869,000 in order to “ramp up expansion plans in Asia, specifically Japan”. It would appear that this collaboration with Equinix is just the beginning of these Asian market/Japan plans.

The Oxford University spin-off specialises in quantum computer hardware, with its approach to superconducting circuits aimed at reducing the error rate in quantum computers. The quantum computing-as-a-service (QCaaS) company claims to play host to the UK’s most advanced quantum computer, and its 3D architecture for superconducting circuits makes it less likely for the quality of a qubit to degrade, compared to two-dimensional circuits.

Commenting on the announcement, UK Department for Science Innovation & Technology Minister of State George Freeman said “We’ve invested approximately £1 billion over 10 years to support the world-class UK quantum sector, attract the brightest and best talent to the UK and attract world-leading companies to invest here to drive economic growth. I recently visited Japan to work on deepening our strategic collaboration in computer science and technology. Today’s announcement shows the UK-Japan alliance is a key part of the global race for the quantum industry.”