Amaravati hits major milestone in quantum computing, dilution refrigerator reaches 4 Kelvin Andhra Pradesh's quantum computing facility in Amaravati has achieved a major milestone with its indigenous dilution refrigerator as it reached 4 Kelvin (minus 269 degrees Celcius). Here is what this means for the future of quantum computing in India. Technology is progressing fast. Today, we hear discussions about how AI and AI agents are changing the way the world works. But there is another technology that is gaining traction globally, quantum computing. With Andhra Pradesh’s Amaravati Quantum Valley (AQV) aiming to lead this field. And now, Amaravati has reached a major milestone with its indigenous dilution refrigerator reaching 4 Kelvin, or minus 269 degrees Celsius. The indigenous dilution refrigerator was created at the Quantum Reference Facility in Medha Towers, Amaravati. The Andhra Pradesh government said this was the first major technical milestone for the state’s quantum hardware facility. According to reports, the system was built with more than 80 per cent domestically-sourced components, making it one of the coldest temperatures achieved in a research facility in India with such a high level of local materials. What is quantum computing? Before we delve into why this matters, we need to understand quantum computing. You see, quantum computing is more complex than regular computers. Unlike regular computers that store information in bits – 0 or 1 – quantum computers use qubits. In simple terms, qubits allow us to find out different probabilities and answers all at once, instead of going through each problem individually. This, in theory, can allow us to do research or solve problems that could've taken hundreds of years in days. But qubits are far more fragile, and need precise conditions to function. They must be cooled to near absolute zero – around 15 millikelvin, colder than
Jun 20, 2026 · via indiatoday.in
Cloud-based optimization developer Fixstars Amplify Corporation has added IonQ’s trapped-ion quantum computing environment as a standard execution backend within its optimization platform. The integration enables enterprise users in the United States and Japan to develop, test, and execute combinatorial optimization workloads across hardware-agnostic pipelines. Under the initial deployment framework, access to IonQ’s cloud-based quantum simulator is available to existing platform account holders at no additional charge, while access to actual trapped-ion hardware processing units is scheduled to roll out progressively through tiered, paid subscription plans. Unified SDK Architecture and Hybrid Optimization Loops The backend integration is orchestrated by combining the Fixstars Amplify SDK—a unified software development library designed to formulate combinatorial optimization problems—with Amplify Quantum, a specialized extension package that automates the translation of mathematical models into executable quantum structures. When an engineer calls the platform’s core execution functions, the extension dynamically converts the optimization model into parametric quantum circuits, handles the API communication downlinks, and manages the iterative feedback loop between classical and quantum layers. This unified interface allows users to switch their backend solver clients from classical GPU engines to trapped-ion targets by changing the destination client class configuration within their local Python environments. The software stack supports several hybrid variational optimization algorithms optimized for Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) systems: - Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (QAOA): Executes parameter-driven state transformations to solve unconstrained Ising polynomials of arbitrary degrees. - Constrained QAOA: Integrates structural N-HOT constraint boundaries directly into the circuit generation layer to prevent the sampling of invalid states. - Recursive QAOA: Systematically reduces the effective size of the mathematical problem graph by recursively fixing highly correlated variable pairs through classical pre-processing loops. Hardware Topology and All-to-All Qubit Interaction Integrating IonQ’s platform into the Fixstars portfolio expands the compiler’s range beyond traditional superconducting architectures and classical annealing simulators.
Jun 20, 2026 · via quantumcomputingreport.com
A single transistor that behaves like a brain cell in the deep freeze could help unlock the next generation of quantum computers and space exploration systems. Researchers at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) have developed a new type of brain-inspired electronic hardware that can operate at temperatures close to absolute zero. The breakthrough could help address one of the biggest challenges facing quantum computing while also opening new possibilities for future deep-space missions. The work was carried out by scientists from HKU’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering and the Centre for Advanced Semiconductors and Integrated Circuits (CASIC). Their newly developed programmable neuromorphic platform functions in extremely cold environments and could provide a practical way to improve the scalability of quantum computers. Brain-Inspired Computing at Near Absolute Zero The research team, led by Professor Yuhao Zhang and PhD student Xin Yang, found a new method for creating and controlling negative differential resistance (NDR) in industry-standard Silicon Carbide (SiC) MOSFETs. Using this approach, they demonstrated for the first time that a single transistor can reproduce the energy-efficient “spiking” activity seen in biological neurons at temperatures as low as 10 mK. This achievement is significant because quantum computers operate under extremely cold conditions. Their qubits are highly sensitive and must be maintained at millikelvin temperatures. However, the electronic systems used to control those qubits typically consume substantial power and generate heat. As a result, today’s silicon-based controllers must be positioned farther away from the qubits, creating a complex web of wiring that limits system performance and makes it more difficult to build larger quantum computers. “Our work introduces a hardware platform that can be integrated alongside quantum processors,” said Professor Zhang. “By using the unique carrier dynamics in silicon carbide, we can create circuits that are
Jun 20, 2026 · via scitechdaily.com
South Korean launch services company INNOSPACE has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with quantum software developer Norma to co-engineer space-based quantum computing technologies. The strategic agreement sets up a collaborative framework across three operational areas: the execution of in-orbit technical demonstrations, joint participation in state-funded aerospace R&D programs, and the conceptual planning of a dedicated Space Quantum Computing Center. The project addresses the growing data bottlenecks in orbital networks, where the increasing complexity of satellite mega-constellations demands decentralized, high-performance computing to handle localized telemetry and payload data processing. The initial technical milestone of the partnership centers on integrating a compact quantum computing payload, built around a dedicated Quantum Processing Unit (QPU), into INNOSPACE’s HANBIT launch vehicle. Operating the hardware directly from the rocket platform during flight allows the engineering teams to verify the mechanical stability and functional operability of QPU components when subjected to the structural vibrations, radiation levels, and thermal fluctuations of an active aerospace environment. The upcoming flight profiles will serve as a physical validation gate to assess how quantum coherence and qubit gate stabilities hold up outside traditional terrestrial laboratory baselines. The data gathered from the HANBIT demonstration flights will establish the engineering parameters for the proposed Space Quantum Computing Center. Envisioned as a hybrid, cloud-linked orbital data infrastructure network, the facility will deploy specialized quantum algorithms to manage large-scale satellite fleet trajectories, optimize real-time orbital resource allocations, and secure communication downlinks using quantum-resistant cryptographic keys. This infrastructure layer builds upon Norma’s existing Q Platform—a hardware-agnostic cloud ecosystem that integrates multi-QPU backends with corporate networks through established partnerships with domestic tech providers like KT Cloud and Kakao Enterprise. The official corporate memorandum detailing the partnership parameters can be reviewed via the INNOSPACE Press Room here. June 20, 2026 Leave A Comment
Jun 20, 2026 · via quantumcomputingreport.com
By mimicking how the brain operates, neuromorphic computing can use dramatically less energy than conventional electronic AI chips. However, even the most sophisticated neuromorphic devices today are still quite simple, using only a small fraction of the number of connections found in human neurons. Now, a new study suggests that by using sound waves, neuromorphic devices can better mimic biological neurons and operate faster and with greater energy efficiency than their electronic counterparts. “This could make future neuromorphic hardware more compact, more parallel, and more efficient for tasks that require combining many features, such as pattern recognition, sensory processing, and data analysis,” says Xiaodong Yan, an assistant professor of materials science and engineering and electrical and computer engineering at the University of Arizona in Tucson. Just as brains use synapses—the links connecting neurons—to help them both compute and store data, neuromorphic devices often combine both operations. Doing so can reduce the energy and time needed for conventional microchips to shuttle data between processors and memory. Each human neuron may have thousands of synapses connecting them with other cells; one kind of neuron found in the cerebellum, the Purkinje cell, may have as many as 100,000 synapses. This extraordinary level of connectivity lets each human neuron “combine different pieces of information, compare them, and respond depending on the context,” Yan says. In contrast, most conventional neuromorphic devices are essentially “one artificial synapse,” Yan says. Building an artificial neuron with as many synapses as a human neuron would require wiring many separate devices together. “This increases wiring, energy cost, and hardware complexity,” Yan says. Using Quantum-Like Tricks Enables Parallel Computing Recently, scientists have developed acoustic devices in which sound waves can encode multiple values in its waves phase. These phase bits, or phi-bits, can in turn support quantum-like logic gates and parallel
Jun 20, 2026 · via spectrum.ieee.org
New twisting technique gives scientists unprecedented control of quantum light Researchers use twisted hBN layers to significantly tune quantum light sources for future quantum devices. Scientists have discovered a new way to control quantum light sources by twisting atomically thin layers of a material known as hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), a breakthrough that could help bring quantum technologies closer to practical use. Researchers from the University of Technology Sydney found that rotating and restacking layers of hBN can significantly alter the color and wavelength of light emitted by quantum emitters embedded within the material. Quantum emitters are tiny light sources that can produce single photons, making them important building blocks for future quantum computers, secure communication networks, and highly sensitive sensors. While scientists have been able to detect and study these emitters, controlling them has remained a major challenge. The team says its approach offers a new way to tune these light sources by exploiting the unique layered structure of hBN, a material that can be repeatedly separated, twisted, and reassembled. Twisting light into control Lead author Dr. Angus Gale said the findings provide researchers with a new tool for manipulating quantum emitters. “You can measure these quantum emitters and see that they exist, but it’s hard to make them work in practice. This gives us a lever to get closer to that – a step towards the realisation of quantum technologies,” said Dr Gale. In experiments, the researchers were able to produce a significant shift in the emitted light by changing the twist angle between layers. Unlike many studies where materials are assembled once and left unchanged, the team repeatedly picked up, twisted, and restacked the layers while continuing to modify the optical properties. “We’re leveraging the fact that this material, hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), is layered. We can
Jun 19, 2026 · via interestingengineering.com
Ottawa strengthens role in quantum computing and cybersecurity research Quantum computing could transform industries while creating new cybersecurity challenges. Researchers and technology experts in Ottawa are contributing to advances in quantum computing, a technology that could transform fields such as drug discovery, clean energy and space exploration by solving highly complex problems beyond the reach of many conventional computers. Researchers said quantum computing could accelerate scientific discovery and enable breakthroughs that may eventually translate into practical applications across a range of industries. However, the technology also presents significant cybersecurity challenges, as sufficiently advanced quantum computers could eventually undermine widely used encryption methods that protect digital communications and online services. The University of Ottawa is conducting research into quantum communications and cryptography aimed at developing security technologies capable of withstanding future quantum-enabled threats. Researchers are working to better understand the fundamentals of quantum mechanics and future security systems. Industry representatives said Ottawa’s concentration of cryptographic expertise has helped establish this city in Canada as an important centre for quantum cybersecurity research and innovation. Why does it matter? Quantum computing has the potential to become one of the most transformative technologies of the coming decades. Its ability to process certain types of complex calculations far more efficiently than conventional computers could accelerate advances in areas such as materials science, pharmaceuticals, energy systems and scientific research. At the same time, quantum technologies present a major cybersecurity challenge. Many of today’s encryption systems were designed for classical computers and could become vulnerable to future quantum attacks. As a result, governments, universities and technology companies are investing in quantum-safe cryptography and secure communications. Ottawa’s growing role in quantum research reflects a broader international effort to prepare for both the opportunities and security implications of the quantum era. Would you like to learn more about AI,
Jun 19, 2026 · via dig.watch
Nord Quantique has announced the appointments of Tobi Day-Hamilton as Chief Communications Officer and Angela Olano as Vice President, Marketing, with both executives officially joining the company in July 2026. Day-Hamilton, a veteran of the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) at the University of Waterloo and co-founder of Streetwise Consulting, will lead global communications strategy and public affairs. Olano joins from Quantum Industry Canada (QIC), where she served as Director of Marketing and Communications, and will oversee global marketing, brand development, and international partner positioning. These appointments follow Nord Quantique’s recent technical milestones, including demonstrations of individual-level qubit error correction and its advancement to Stage 2 of DARPA’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative. The full announcement is available here. IQM Quantum Computers has significantly expanded its technical leadership ahead of its planned Nasdaq listing through a merger with Real Asset Acquisition Corp. (Nasdaq: RAAQ). The company has appointed Dr. Craig Ciesla as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and transitioned Dr. Inés de Vega into the role of Chief Scientist from her previous position as VP of Quantum Solutions. Ciesla is a veteran deep-tech innovator with more than 100 patents and previously held senior engineering leadership roles at 10x Genomics, Illumina, Intel, and Lumentum. Dr. de Vega, an expert in quantum algorithms and error mitigation techniques, will take responsibility for ensuring scientific feasibility and system-level consistency across IQM’s vertically integrated technology stack. The full executive announcement is available here. Quantum Industry Canada (QIC) has announced that its inaugural Chief Executive Officer, Lisa Lambert, will conclude her tenure at the end of June to pursue a new career opportunity. Sean Lee, currently Chief of Staff and Division Director of Communications & Engagement at TRIUMF (Canada’s particle accelerator centre), has been appointed by the Board of Directors to step in as Acting CEO on an interim
Jun 19, 2026 · via quantumcomputingreport.com
Nord Quantique has announced the appointments of Tobi Day-Hamilton as Chief Communications Officer and Angela Olano as Vice President, Marketing, with both executives officially joining the company in July 2026. Day-Hamilton, a veteran of the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) at the University of Waterloo and co-founder of Streetwise Consulting, will lead global communications strategy and public affairs. Olano joins from Quantum Industry Canada (QIC), where she served as Director of Marketing and Communications, and will oversee global marketing, brand development, and international partner positioning. These appointments follow Nord Quantique’s recent technical milestones, including demonstrations of individual-level qubit error correction and its advancement to Stage 2 of DARPA’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative. The full announcement is available here. IQM Quantum Computers has significantly expanded its technical leadership ahead of its planned Nasdaq listing through a merger with Real Asset Acquisition Corp. (Nasdaq: RAAQ). The company has appointed Dr. Craig Ciesla as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and transitioned Dr. Inés de Vega into the role of Chief Scientist from her previous position as VP of Quantum Solutions. Ciesla is a veteran deep-tech innovator with more than 100 patents and previously held senior engineering leadership roles at 10x Genomics, Illumina, Intel, and Lumentum. Dr. de Vega, an expert in quantum algorithms and error mitigation techniques, will take responsibility for ensuring scientific feasibility and system-level consistency across IQM’s vertically integrated technology stack. The full executive announcement is available here. Quantum Industry Canada (QIC) has announced that its inaugural Chief Executive Officer, Lisa Lambert, will conclude her tenure at the end of June to pursue a new career opportunity. Sean Lee, currently Chief of Staff and Division Director of Communications & Engagement at TRIUMF (Canada’s particle accelerator centre), has been appointed by the Board of Directors to step in as Acting CEO on an interim
Jun 19, 2026 · via quantumcomputingreport.com
Apple-Intel is on, says Trump; Amkor’s big win; Intel 18A-P; Amazon to sell its AI chips; Rambus’ automotive RoT; Brewer’s buy; VLSI Symposium tech; CHIPS Act funding; MIT sensor; RISC-V CPU fuzzing. Amkor inked a 10-year agreement with TSMC to provide advanced packaging and test services in Arizona, tying TSMC’s U.S. fab expansion to domestic OSAT capacity. Trump said in a post that Applewill partner withIntel on chip design and production in the U.S., marking a second reported win for the chipmaker this month. Intel Foundry will also reportedly manufacture 3 million TPUs for Google. Intel has not confirmed either deal. Brewer Science will acquireHeraeus Epurio‘s ultrapure chemical business. IEEE /JSAP Symposium on VLSI Technology & Circuits Intel Foundry said its 18A-P process has entered risk production, with performance, power, thermal, and via-resistance improvements over 18A. The foundry also highlighted longer-term work in CFETs, GaN-on-silicon power integration, and ruthenium interconnects (Fig.1 below). Fraunhofer IPMS and GF researchers integrated hafnium oxide-based ultra-fast ferroelectric FRAM memory into GF’s 22FDX technology node, enabling fast, energy-efficient data storage. NOR flash and SLC NAND contract prices more than doubled in the first half of 2026, reported TrendForce. Global The US government signed a letter of intent to provide Coherent with up to $50M to expand InP wafer manufacturing in Texas and finalized a $500M award for SandboxAQ to accelerate AI-driven semiconductor materials discovery. Nokia is expanding its advanced test and packaging operations in Pennsylvania to boost U.S. production of photonic chips and optical modules used in AI and telecom infrastructure by 10 times its current level. The S. Korean government launched a ~US$520M program to develop on-device AI chips, reports Chosun Biz. Rapidussigned an MoU with the UK Semiconductor Centre to explore semiconductor manufacturing cooperation. Major funding HyperLight raised $80M for its TFLN chiplet platform
Jun 19, 2026 · via semiengineering.com
Shares of pure-play quantum computing companies D-Wave Quantum (QBTS), Rigetti Computing (RGTI), and IonQ (IONQ) have surged after Amazonâs (AMZN) head of AI models and quantum computing told CNBC that the first âcommercially usefulâ quantum computers could arrive within the next five to seven years. Claim 55% Off TipRanks Explore AMZO for 2X short leverage on AMZNThe comments renewed investor confidence that commercially useful quantum computing may be closer than previously expected. Each company uses a distinctive strategy and presents a different risk profile within the rapidly advancing quantum computing industry. How These Quantum Companies Differ D-Wave Quantum â D-Wave specializes in quantum annealing, a technology designed to solve complex optimization problems such as scheduling, logistics, and resource allocation. QBTS reported record Q1 bookings of $33.4 million, up nearly 2,000% year-over-year, driven by a $20 million system sale and a $10 million QCaaS deal. Yet, revenue fell 81% to $2.9 million and losses widened, though a growing backlog points to stronger future revenue potential. Rigetti Computing â Rigetti is a gate-based quantum computing company that builds quantum processors, quantum computers, and the software needed to run quantum applications. Q1 revenue jumped about 200% yearâoverâyear to $4.4 million, beating estimates of $4.09 million. A key highlight was the launch of Rigettiâs 108-qubit Cepheus-1-108Q system, which the company says is among the worldâs most powerful commercially available gate-based quantum computers. IonQ â IonQ uses a trapped-ion approach that operates at room temperature, unlike superconducting systems that require cryogenic cooling. IonQ reported record Q1 revenue of $64.7 million, up 755% year-over-year and above guidance. The company also raised its 2026 outlook, signaling strong demand and growing customer adoption of its quantum computing products. Which Stock Offers the Highest Upside, According to Analysts? Using TipRanksâ Stock Comparison Tool, we compared IonQ, Rigetti Computing, and
Jun 19, 2026 · via tipranks.com
Researchers found a Wordle strategy that wins 99% of the time Researchers used information theory to crack Wordle, creating a strategy that solves the game correctly 99% of the time. - Date: - June 19, 2026 - Source: - Binghamton University - Summary: - Researchers developed a Wordle-solving strategy that succeeds 99% of the time by focusing on information gain rather than likely answers. The method uses Shannon entropy to identify guesses that reveal the most about the hidden word. Each guess is designed to slash uncertainty and narrow the possibilities faster. The result significantly outperformed more traditional Wordle tactics. - Share: Millions of people tackle Wordle every day, trying to uncover a hidden five-letter word in the New York Times' wildly popular puzzle game. Now, researchers at Binghamton University, State University of New York, say they have developed a mathematical approach that can solve Wordle with a remarkable 99% success rate. The goal of Wordle is simple. Players have six chances to identify a secret five-letter word. Each game begins with five empty squares and no clues. When a player enters a guess, such as "BRAVE," the game responds with colored squares that provide hints about the hidden word: - Grey means the letter does not appear in the secret word. - Yellow means the letter is in the word but is in the wrong position. - Green means the letter is both correct and in the correct position. Using these clues, players continue making guesses until they either find the answer and turn all five squares green or run out of attempts. Using Information Theory to Solve Wordle The research team, led by Assistant Professor Congyu "Peter" Wu, turned to Shannon entropy, a mathematical concept used to measure uncertainty. Instead of focusing on words that seem most likely
Jun 19, 2026 · via sciencedaily.com
Mekdam Holding Group, the first Qatari technology group listed on the Qatar Stock Exchange, is investing in quantum computing after a year of substantial growth with a €161 million turnover, an increase of over 20 percent. The company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with European leader in photonic quantum computing, Quandela, to deploy solutions across Gulf markets and establish a regional quantum ecosystem. Mekdam currently holds an order book valued at 3.1 billion Qatari riyals (734 million euros), demonstrating existing demand for its technology portfolio before this expansion. “This partnership marks Mekdam’s entry into quantum computing and our desire to be a leading player in the region,” said Bara’ Sami, General Group Manager of Mekdam Holding Group, as both companies aim to serve sectors including energy, healthcare, and critical infrastructure. Mekdam Holding Group’s turnover of 681.1 million Qatari riyals (approximately 161 million euros) demonstrates the financial capacity driving its expansion into quantum computing, representing a greater than 20% increase and signaling a commitment to emerging technologies. This investment builds on Mekdam’s existing order book valued at 3.1 billion riyals (734 million euros). The collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed during the Vision Gulf forum, aims to deploy quantum computing solutions tailored to regional priorities including energy, government, and healthcare. Quandela will contribute its expertise in fault-tolerant quantum computing and quantum machine learning, while Mekdam will focus on identifying and developing high-value use cases within the Gulf states. Beyond immediate applications, the partnership envisions a sustainable regional quantum ecosystem encompassing cloud access to Quandela’s photonic quantum computers, localized skills development, and the establishment of a dedicated quantum center of excellence serving the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. This initiative aligns with broader national strategies for digital sovereignty and artificial intelligence across the Gulf, including Qatar National Vision, Saudi Vision,
Jun 19, 2026 · via quantumzeitgeist.com
Scientists Develop Model for ‘Programming’ Atoms Without Magnetic Fields Model uses light to program atoms without magnetic fields. Researchers from the Faculty of Physics at Vilnius University have developed a theoretical model that uses light to pre-program atoms without the need for external magnetic fields. According to the authors, light first “programs” the atoms, and then the pre-prepared atomic environment alters the shape and polarization of complex laser beams. At the core of the model are optical vortices: beams with a spiral wavefront structure, where the intensity drops to zero at the “core.” The size of the dark area determines the topological charge, which “is not limited and can take any positive or negative integer values.” In practice, up to 10,000 different states can be achieved, allowing information to be encoded in qudits rather than in a two-state qubit system. To control vector vortices, the researchers examined the interaction of a beam with an atomic gas, where the atoms have three energy levels. In the model, the prepared environment inherits the spatial pattern of the light: in some areas, atoms absorb radiation more strongly, while in others, they become almost transparent. This leads to feedback, where the atomic response reshapes the beam itself. Instead of a simple ring structure, a petal pattern with several bright areas around the center emerges, altering the polarization structure. Previously, such control typically required powerful external magnetic fields and complex equipment. Theoretically, this development paves the way for faster quantum processors, highly secure quantum communication networks, and ultra-precise optical sensors. Earlier, on June 17, one of the sixteen national laboratories of the U.S. Department of Energy, Sandia National Laboratories, and quantum computer developer Quantinuum published a peer-reviewed article on the 98-qubit quantum computer Helios.
Jun 19, 2026 · via forklog.com
UC Newsroom The University of California is not just the best public university in the United States — it also leads the world. That’s the verdict of U.S. News & World Report’s 2026–27 Best Global Universities ranking, released Tuesday, June 16. It places four UC campuses in the top 25 of the world’s best 2,250 universities — a feat no other university system in the world can match. It also lists eight UC campuses among the top 30 public institutions in the United States, with UC Berkeley and UCLA as No. 1 and No. 2. U.S. News 2026–27 Best Global Universities rankings by campus | Campus | U.S. (public) | U.S. (all) | Global (all) | |---|---|---|---| | UC Berkeley | 1 | 4 | 7 | | UCLA | 2 | 7 | 11 | | UC San Francisco | 5 | 14 | 22 | | UC San Diego | 6 | 15 | 23 | | UC Davis | 16 | 37 | 95 | | UC Irvine | 18 | 38 | 99 | | UC Santa Barbara | 19 | 39 | 100 | | UC Santa Cruz | 26 | 48 | 141 | | UC Riverside | 42 | 71 | 262 | | UC Merced | 100 | 147 | 739 | Why it matters The Best Global Universities ranking evaluates institutions worldwide based on academic research performance and international reputation. The United States has long been a leader in research. But other countries aren’t just catching up, they’re moving ahead. The new global rankings reflect this trend. China now has 409 ranked institutions compared to 397 last year, while the United States has 275. U.S. News 2026–27 Best Global Universities rankings by country | Country | 2026–27 schools ranked | 2025–26
Jun 19, 2026 · via universityofcalifornia.edu
On June 17, professors, students, alumni, donors, state and local government representatives, and industry partners gathered to celebrate the dedication of the Dr. Allen and Charlotte Ginsburg Center for Quantum Precision Measurement at Caltech, a new center that will serve as a locus for a wide range of research in quantum science and quantum technologies of the future. "The notion of a place where you can bring together people who think about important problems from very different directions is very Caltech. And this building, in a lot of ways, represents the best of what Caltech is about," said Caltech President Thomas F. Rosenbaum, the Sonja and William Davidow Presidential Chair and professor of physics, at the dedication ceremony. In addition to quantum sciences, the center "opens opportunities in biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, and computer science," he said. The occasion marked three years since ground was first broken on the modern 70,000-square-foot building on the south side of campus. The building was made possible with lead gifts from Broadcom, the Duan Family, Dr. Allen and Charlotte Ginsburg, and a grant from the Sherman Fairchild Foundation, in addition to several smaller gifts. At the ceremony, Dr. Allen Ginsburg said that his excitement about working with Caltech stemmed in part from endeavors such as NASA's Voyager mission, humanity's longest-running spacecraft. Managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, which is itself managed by Caltech, the Voyager mission's twin probes launched in 1977 and are still communicating with Earth from interstellar space today. "It all really started with Caltech," he said. He and his wife are optimistic about the future, he said, citing the powerful combination of "beautiful minds, artificial intelligence, and quantum computers." Charlotte Ginsburg said, "Today, when we toured the building, it was so beautiful beyond our dreams, and we're so privileged to be
Jun 19, 2026 · via caltech.edu
SpaceX wants to build AI data centers in space. Will it work? - Date: - June 18, 2026 - Source: - The Conversation - Summary: - The race to build data centers in space is gaining momentum as AI drives unprecedented demand for computing power. Orbital facilities could tap into abundant solar energy and avoid many of the environmental challenges faced on Earth. Yet space remains a harsh and expensive place to operate, with major hurdles including cooling, maintenance, radiation exposure, and orbital debris. - Share: Imagine if one company could become the railroad, electric utility and cloud-computing provider of the emerging space economy. That potential fueled excitement around the long-anticipated initial public offering of SpaceX. Investors are not simply betting on rockets anymore. They are betting on an entire orbital ecosystem. Among the most ambitious and challenging ideas riding this wave of enthusiasm is something that sounds almost like science fiction: orbital data centers. SpaceX may be one of the most well-known companies seeking to build them, but it is not the only one. The logic is seductive: Launch the data centers into orbit, where solar energy is abundant and land, water and local power grids are no longer constraints. As artificial intelligence drives an explosion in computing demand, companies are pitching orbital data centers as a way to escape the growing environmental and infrastructure pressures of Earth-based computing. Data centers often also face backlash from the public at having these centers located in their communities. But there is a vast difference between launching satellites and operating an industrial-scale computing infrastructure in orbit. Space is unforgiving. Radiation damages electronics. The electronics generate enormous amounts of heat, and getting rid of that heat is surprisingly difficult in space. Repairs are extraordinarily expensive, and every pound launched into orbit still carries
Jun 19, 2026 · via sciencedaily.com
Helium is more than party balloons. Why Australia needs to take this invisible gas seriously 2026-06-19T10:09:00+10:00 Helium quietly keeps MRI scanners, semiconductor factories and quantum computers running. But even though global supply is scarce, Australia may be venting a resource that could help secure its technological future. For many people, helium means party balloons, squeaky voices and birthday decorations. But if helium supply runs short, the impact is likely to be felt somewhere much more serious: in hospitals, research laboratories, semiconductor factories and the emerging quantum computing industry. “Helium’s use in non-essential party balloons is obvious, but its role in essential data and computing is not,” says Dr Arup George, a researcher in the School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications at UNSW. That role is becoming more important as the world builds more MRI machines, more advanced computer chips, more fibre-optic cables, more AI data centres and more quantum computers. Media enquiries For enquiries about this story and interview requests please contact Neil Martin, News & Content Coordinator. Email: n.martin@unsw.edu.au The problem is that helium is not like many other industrial gases. It cannot be made at scale when needed. It is produced naturally underground over immense periods of time, usually recovered as a by-product of natural gas, and once released into the atmosphere it can escape Earth altogether. That makes helium a small but strategically important resource — and one Australia may be able to do much more with. Why does helium matter? Helium has unusual properties that make it useful in places where other gases do not work as well. One of its most important uses is in MRI scanners. These machines create very powerful magnetic fields to produce detailed images of the inside of the human body. To do that, they rely on superconducting magnets — coils
Jun 19, 2026 · via unsw.edu.au
The British OQC will invest 92 million in a quantum computing center in Barcelona The installation will create about 210 jobs over the next five years Barcelona scores a new victory in the European technology ecosystem. The British company Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC), one of the regional benchmarks in quantum computing, will establish its new manufacturing and innovation center for this technology in the city. The project will represent a total investment of 92 million euros, and will be the most important quantum facility in Southern Europe. This is OQC's first location in continental Europe and, once operational, it will create approximately 210 highly qualified jobs. The executive director of the technology company, Gerald Mullally, celebrated the agreement as a "definitive step" for the company in the European industrial ecosystem. According to the executive, "Barcelona was the right place" to make a commitment of this magnitude. The Barcelona plant, which will concentrate both research and development activities and the manufacturing of the company's quantum computers, will assemble the "next generation of European quantum computing," according to Mullally. The center, named OQC Global Quantum Development & Manufacturing Center, will be operational in the second half of 2027. OQC, it should be recalled, already has a production and research center in the United Kingdom of a similar size to the one it will have in Barcelona, and which will continue to grow in parallel. The Catalan facility will be, according to Mullaly, a "critically important" installation. The talent of Barcelona According to Mullally, OQC had a series of proposals on the table to set up its factory. It considered, he recalls, cities on the level of Copenhagen, Paris and Munich, as well as various Spanish locations. However, the company has opted for Barcelona, mainly due to the quality of local talent. In
Jun 18, 2026 · via en.ara.cat
Artificial intelligence stocks have been hot, and the next big investment opportunity could be in quantum computing. A number of pure-play quantum companies have gone public in the past few years, capitalizing on investor interest in the technology. One of the newest in this space is Xanadu Quantum Technologies (XNDU 1.47%). Its initial public offering (IPO) occurred on March 27. By comparison, IonQ (IONQ +3.24%) is a relative veteran, having gone public in 2021. Is Xanadu or IonQ the better investment for investors seeking exposure to this up-and-coming industry? Here's a deeper look at both to arrive at an answer. A look at Xanadu Xanadu claims to be the first pure-play photonic quantum computing company to go public. The use of photons in its technology differentiates it from IonQ, which employs ions. Xanadu CEO Dr. Christian Weedbrook said he founded the company with "a conviction that photonics was the right path to a scalable quantum computer." His claim has merit, though photons and ions offer distinct advantages and downsides. Photons are light particles with properties that make them a compelling choice to power quantum computers. They are well-suited for quantum cryptography because their random quantum states make every photon inherently secure. Moreover, photons can transmit quantum data over long distances, rendering them suitable for quantum networking. Computer networks are essential for artificial intelligence, since networked devices unlock greater computational ability. In fact, IonQ added photonics to its solutions for these reasons. Xanadu is on a roll. It partnered with AI semiconductor giant Advanced Micro Devices and quadrupled revenue growth in the first quarter, reaching $2.8 million compared to $0.7 million in the previous year. NASDAQ: XNDU Key Data Points The case for IonQ IonQ is focused on building an expansive quantum computing business. It boasts a vast array of quantum-related
Jun 18, 2026 · via fool.com