Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
TII Quantum Technology Symposium, organised by the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in collaboration with Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), commenced on Monday at Hilton Yas Island, bringing together global experts to discuss the latest advancements in quantum computing, communications, and sensing.
The symposium, running until January 29, also marks the UNESCO International Year of Quantum Science and Technology.
Notably during the event, TII's Quantum Research Center is unveiling regional innovations, including the first superconducting qubit and quantum-inspired algorithms for sectors such as aerospace and automotive design.
Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of TII, stressed the institute's focus on advancing quantum technologies in four key areas: algorithms, computing, communication, and sensing.
She highlighted TII's achievements, including the region's first quantum key distribution system and quantum ground station, aimed at enhancing secure communications capabilities.
Dr. Aaraj stressed the importance of collaboration and global partnerships to drive quantum innovation, ensuring these technologies benefit industries and society.
100 Years of Quantum Mechanics
At the symposium, Dr. James Grieve, Senior Director of Quantum Communications at TII, discussed the significance of quantum technologies to Aletihad, particularly in communications, and how TII is fostering their development in the UAE.
"We work on ways to use quantum technologies to improve communications, specifically through quantum key distribution, which ensures secure communications using quantum physics," he said.
He also highlighted the global significance of the symposium, noting: "This event is part of UNESCO's International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, celebrating the 100th anniversary of quantum mechanics."
Reflecting on the rapid advancements in quantum technologies, Dr. Grieve explained that quantum mechanics provides the most precise description of the world at the microscopic level, making it essential for fields like computing, communications, as well as sensing.
"If you want to do computing or sensing in the most competitive and precise way possible, you will eventually have to engage with quantum mechanics," he said.
Dr. Grieve stressed the emerging consensus that quantum technology is the next frontier in sectors like AI, computing, and communications.
He pointed out that while AI has gained attention for its massive computing demands, "quantum technologies will solve these problems by fundamentally changing how we construct computing and communication systems".
Discussing TII's role in advancing quantum research, Dr. Grieve highlighted the institute's ongoing efforts across various quantum domains.
"We are collaborating with external stakeholders like the UAE Space Agency and local universities to take our quantum technologies out of the lab and apply them in real-world situations, particularly in the government sector," Dr. Grieve said.
"Collaborations ensure we get valuable feedback on how our technologies fit in the real world and strengthen our position globally," he added.
On quantum technology's role in cybersecurity, he mentioned the potential threat quantum computers pose to traditional encryption systems.
"When large-scale quantum computers are built, they will be able to break current cryptographic systems," he cautioned.
"Post-quantum cryptography and quantum solutions will be vital for securing networks and data in the future."
Dr. Grieve also addressed challenges in scaling quantum computing, particularly in controlling large numbers of qubits for complex algorithms.
"Although there has been remarkable progress in the last six months, there's still a long way to go in scaling quantum systems for practical use," he said.
In addition, Dr. Grieve reflected on Abu Dhabi's emerging leadership in quantum technologies, similar to its success with AI.
"Abu Dhabi has already made significant investments in AI, and we hope the same will happen with quantum technologies, positioning the UAE as a global leader in this field."
A Future Hub for Quantum Technologies
Also Speaking to Aletihad at the event, Prof. Dr. Leandro Aolita, Executive Director of TII's Quantum Algorithms group at TII, discussed quantum computing advancements, challenges, and their potential to address global issues."One of the main hopes and targets of the quantum computing community is to do faster simulations of quantum systems.
This may be one of the main applications that we will see in a near to midterm future, and we are talking, for instance, of simulating proteins or simulating materials, so this can have implications on the pharma sectors for drug design, as well as in the design of novel materials," Dr. Aolita said.
Quantum simulations are challenging for classical machines and conventional computers. However, quantum computers are expected to offer impressive runtime speedups, potentially solving pressing issues like climate change, food security, and energy optimisation, he noted.
Prof. Aolita further explained that quantum algorithms use quantum features like superposition, where a photon can be in two places at once, to process information differently.
However, he pointed out that the big challenge remains in quantum hardware. "We need quantum hardware that can handle more qubits with higher quality and fidelity, bridging the gap between algorithm needs and current quantum computers' capabilities."
On the future of quantum communication systems and their impact on global data transfer and security, Prof. Aolita said: "Quantum communications, including quantum key distribution and random number generators, are key technologies at TII. We have proof of concept for quantum key distribution through optical fibres and are collaborating with the UAE Space Agency on satellite-ground communication."
He stressed the urgency of addressing quantum computing's potential impact on encryption: "Quantum computers will eventually break current encryption methods. The time to adopt new encryption techniques is now-within the next two or three years. Quantum key distribution and post-quantum cryptography will play a crucial role in securing future data."
He noted that TII is partnering with local universities to offer advanced degrees in quantum technologies.
Discussing TII's efforts to develop quantum talent, he said: "We are not just focused on technology for business, but also on creating a quantum hub with a strong influence on talent and education."
"Abu Dhabi will be a future hub for quantum technologies, which will likely be the next big boom after AI. To be quantum-ready, we need a highly skilled workforce in fields like computer science, physics, mathematics, and engineering," he added.
