The University of Granada has joined Quantum Spaina project promoted by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Digital Transformation through the Secretary of State for Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence (SEDIA) whose main objective is the creation of an effective quantum computing ecosystem in Spain. This will be done thanks to the synergies generated by the talent of local researchers who are experts in this technology. Currently, the initiative is made up of 27 renowned universities and research centers.
Along with the University of Granada, Quantum Spain has been joined by the University of Barcelona, the Autonomous University of Barcelona, the Complutense University of Madrid, the Higher Council for Scientific Research, the University of the Balearic Islands, the University of Seville, the University of the Basque Country, the University of Oviedo, the University of Navarra, the Donostia International Physics Center, the Institute of Photonic Sciences, the Polytechnic University of Valencia and the University of Santiago de Compostela. These 14 institutions join the already existing nodes of the Spanish Supercomputing Network, giving the final figure of 27 participants.
What is the objective of this Spanish quantum computing consortium?
One of the fundamental tasks of these entities will be the creation of new quantum algorithms. Specifically, their work will focus on the hybridization between quantum computing and Artificial IntelligenceBeing the Quantum Machine Learning one of its main components. The algorithms developed will be tested with the quantum machines acquired through the project, whose installation and operation are in charge of the Barcelona Supercomputing Center, which acts as coordinator of Quantum Spain.
The University of Granada thus sees its research in this area recognized. As Alba Cervera, coordinator of Quantum Spain, explains, “the entities with which we have signed the agreement represent the most prominent and pioneering research groups in quantum computing in Spain. “Its incorporation is fundamental for the promotion of a cutting-edge national ecosystem and the development of a solid scientific and technological fabric to which we aspire at Quantum Spain.”
The representatives of the UGR in the Quantum Spain consortium are Daniel Manzano and Jara Juani Bermejoprofessors of the department of Electromagnetism and Physics of Matter, who point out that participation in this consortium “It is a great opportunity that will place the university in the most important quantum computing network in the country”. Specifically, the Granada node will be in charge of the design of neural network models in quantum computers and their role in the development of new artificial intelligence.
In addition to their role in developing and testing quantum algorithms, the new institutions will play an important role in disseminating and creating educational materials. In this context, work is being done on the program called TalentQ, with the aim of promoting the search and training of Spanish quantum talent. This initiative will be coordinated by the University of Santiago de Compostela and will cover a variety of activities, including the organization of both online and face-to-face courses.
