Minister Simon Harris Launches Ireland’s First Quantum Computer Engineering Centre

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris has launched Ireland’s first exclusive Quantum Computer Engineering Centre (QCEC) at Tyndall National Institute based in University College Cork (UCC).

The multi-million-euro investment will see 900 sq meters of research space dedicated to quantum technology at Tyndall’s new quantum computer facility on Cork’s North Mall and will be a key part of the Institute’s plans to double in size and impact by 2025.

This new investment will result in an additional 45 quantum research jobs giving a further boost to Tyndall’s quantum ecosystem that already counts the highest concentration of researchers in Ireland.

The announcement was made at an official launch event yesterday afternoon, which saw world leading experts speak to Irish researchers, policy makers and industry leaders on the ‘Quantum Revolution’ and the scale of opportunity for Ireland in this emerging multi-billion-euro market.

Harris’ Thoughts

Simon Harris, who launched the project, labeled Tyndall National Institute as “one of Europe’s leading institutes in ‘deep tech’” and noted the impact advanced technology has on the lives of citizens.

Harris: “Tyndall is one of Europe’s leading institutes in ‘deep–tech’, and we have seen how the application of advanced technology has had a profound effect on the lives of citizens, as well as industry,through smart medical devices, high-speed telecommunications, robotics and automation, and the microelectronic chips that enable all of ICT”.

“Tyndall QCEC will not only focus on the realisation of quantum technology in Ireland, but it will also upskill Irish researchers in the area of Quantum and will support open innovation and collaboration between academia and industry”.

“This will transform our high-tech economy and secure Ireland’s future as a worldwide technology leader, whilst supporting key Irish technology companies and SMEs”.

Tyndall has been at the forefront of quantum computer technology research in Ireland for 10 years and is already pioneering Irish efforts in engineering next generation quantum technology using deep-tech photonics and nano-electronics.

“Today we are developing the theories and computational models of tomorrow“, said Professor William Scanlon, CEO of Tyndall National Institute.

Scanlon: “Tyndall never stops looking ahead.  Ourpioneering embrace of next generation technology has already profoundly impacted the semiconductor industry, high-speed optical communications networks, medical devicesand many other areas based on nanotechnology, microelectronics and photonics research”.

“Our aim is to accelerate the development of quantum research in Ireland, connecting the theory to engineering and industry, to help address the world’s major societal challenges such as food security, energy, and climate change”.

”Quantum computer engineering has the power to make a difference, astheir dramatically enhanced computational power will help us to solve problems that are too complex for today’s computers”.

With Quantum Computing proving a prevalent aspect of European technology today, Minister Harris and all involved believe Tyndall National Institute have earned the right to be at the heart of that.