Key Takeaways:
- Collaboration Focus: Xanadu partners with HBKU’s QC2 to prepare Qatar’s workforce for quantum technologies.
- PhD Fellowship: QC2 offers fully funded PhD fellowships, including internships at Xanadu’s Toronto HQ.
- Practical Training: Emphasis on hands-on training using Xanadu’s resources for Qatar’s growing quantum workforce.
Xanadu, a Canadian quantum computing company founded in 2016, is collaborating with Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) Qatar Center for Quantum Computing (QC2). The partnership, established in November 2023, aims to prepare a quantum-ready workforce in Qatar.
Specializing in photonic quantum computing, Xanadu is a leader in quantum hardware and software. With a team of over 190 specialists, the company focuses on advancing fault-tolerant quantum computing.
QC2, founded in 2022 with a $10 million USD research grant, concentrates on local, regional, and international quantum computing research. The center’s areas of focus include quantum communication, quantum computation, and quantum sensing.
Our fellowship program has been very successful thus far and continues to develop the growing quantum ecosystem in Qatar. We are excited to work with our first international partner, Xanadu, to co-supervise and extend the program offerings this year. Xanadu’s involvement will further enhance the program’s best-in-class training and ensure students gain practical industry-relevant experience
HBKU’s QC2 addresses the demand for quantum experts by offering fully funded PhD fellowships. Students engage in theoretical and experimental research in quantum information science, with an opportunity to intern at Xanadu HQ in Toronto, Canada.
Christian Weedbrook, Xanadu’s Founder and CEO, anticipates collaborating with HBKU, emphasizing practical training and growing the quantum workforce in Qatar. Both institutions prioritize hands-on training using Xanadu’s educational materials and PennyLane, their open-source software library.
Dr. Saif Al-Kuwari, Director of QC2, underscores the success of their fellowship program and collaboration with Xanadu, aiming to contribute to Qatar’s quantum ecosystem and nurture skilled professionals.