Sydney data centre gets world-first quantum computer

Diraq CEO and founder Andrew Dzurak [L] with Jarrod Nink, Equinix managing director, Australia, at the Equinix Sydney facility where the quantum computer would be installed. Photo: Supplied

Data centre giant Equinix will soon install a modular Diraq quantum computer inside a Sydney data centre, running the cutting-edge, Australian-developed technology alongside conventional systems in a world-first deployment that will pave the way for broader quantum adoption.

The silicon spin quantum computer, which stores information based on the rotation of individual electrons, has been developed by quantum computing pioneer Diraq and will initially provide eight qubits, the quantum computing world’s basic unit of computational power.

Quantum computers work by manipulating individual electrons, typically operating at near absolute zero (-273^oC) to minimise interference from heat energy – but where cryogenic equipment has typically required bulky lab setups, Diraq has bundled cooling with its server.

Its modular quantum computer, which incorporates cryogenic cooling and control electronics, can be plugged into a data centre and uses under 20kW of power, slightly more than the 5kW to 15kW used by a standard server rack, and less than half the power draw of dense AI server racks.