PsiQuantum has chosen Jacobs to provide master planning, design and engineering services for its planned quantum computing facility in Australia. The 540,000-square-foot facility will be located near Brisbane Airport and support PsiQuantum’s vision to develop the world’s first large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers.
Jacobs said in a press release that the facility will include a main office building, a large cryoplant and a dedicated Quantum Compute Center to house the quantum computer. PsiQuantum aims to use this facility to tackle complex problems beyond the capabilities of conventional or artificial intelligence computers. Construction is slated to begin later this year and finish by the end of 2027.
Jacobs President of Global Operations Patrick Hill said the company has collaborated closely with PsiQuantum over the past year to design and validate the facility plans. “As we transition into the owner’s engineer phase, we will draw on more than 30 years of experience delivering high-tech, mission-critical projects across various markets to ensure the facility is secure, scalable and easy to replicate,” the executive added.
Founded in 2016, PsiQuantum’s mission is to build and deploy the first “useful quantum computers,” which the company describes as an upgrade from current error-prone quantum computers. The Palo Alto-based firm aims to achieve this by using conventional silicon chips and manufacturing processes akin to those used for laptops and cellphones, with potential applications in healthcare, climate and energy.
PsiQuantum produces quantum chips, tests cryogenic systems and develops the necessary algorithms. In addition to the Brisbane unit, construction of a second Quantum Compute Center in Chicago, Illinois, is also underway.