CQT starts new phase on its 15th anniversary

Happy 15th birthday to CQT! With it, the Centre charts a new phase of growth.

The Centre for Quantum Technologies celebrates its 15^th anniversary on 7 December 2022 – and with it charts a new phase of growth. 

CQT has been awarded a two-year bridging grant by the National Research Foundation (NRF), Singapore to support a transition towards a national centre with expanded roles and membership. 

“Singapore is deeply invested in understanding and preparing for the transformative impact of quantum technologies. As one of the pioneers of research in quantum science in Singapore and ASEAN, CQT plays an important role in supporting the nation's ambitions in this area. The transition of the Centre of Quantum Technologies into a national-level platform is a testament to this, which will not only build on the vibrant innovation ecosystem, but also nurture and ensure a continuous pipeline of talent to support both academia and industry,” says NRF’s Dr Marvin Lee, Director, Smart Nation & Digital Economy.  

When CQT was established on 7 December 2007 at the National University of Singapore, it was Singapore’s first Research Centre of Excellence (RCE). The RCE scheme was launched by NRF and the Ministry of Education to enable world-class investigator-led research aligned with the long-term strategic interests of Singapore. 

CQT is graduating from the scheme because RCEs are limited to 15-year terms, but quantum technologies have only grown in strategic importance since the Centre got started. Public and private investments in quantum computing, quantum communication and other quantum technologies have soared around the world.  

This year, Singapore has established a National Quantum Office (NQO) at the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) that will define a national quantum strategy for the country. The strategy will include a vision for CQT, and CQT will align its research with the strategy. 

Research visions 

“Through its first 15 years, the Centre for Quantum Technologies has been relentless in educating talent, built international connections, collaborated with industry and produced startups. The conditions are right to grow Singapore’s quantum ecosystem, and we can do that from our deep roots in basic science,” says CQT Director José Ignacio Latorre, who has advocated for CQT taking a national role. He has been appointed to the National Quantum Steering Committee guiding the NQO. 

The $25 million bridging grant will support the Centre in beginning its transition. It also provides continuity for CQT’s research and operations while the national strategy is finalised, coming on top of university support and external grants.  

CQT remains hosted at NUS while planning growth and taking national responsibilities.  

CQT is already involved in the three national platforms announced in 2022 by the Quantum Engineering Programme: the National Quantum Safe-Network, the National Quantum Computing Hub and the National Quantum Fabless Foundry. 

Growth will include a search for up to six new Principal Investigators (PIs). CQT currently has twenty-five PIs including seventeen co-appointed with NUS, four with the Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, and one with A*STAR. The Centre also aims to admit 20 to 30 PhD students per year. 

The Centre’s research areas – in quantum communication and security; quantum processors, computation and simulation; quantum sensing and metrology; advanced instruments and basic science – all remain supported. CQT will also continue actions in working with industry, developing talent, international collaboration and outreach. 

New on board 

Since its inception, the Centre has reported to an independent Governing Board (GB). This board has been reformed to oversee the Centre’s next phase. CQT thanks former GB Chair Mr Quek Gim Pew, Senior R&D Consultant, Ministry of Defence, and other retiring members for their service. Mr Quek will continue to play an important role in CQT’s future as co-chair of the National Quantum Steering Committee.  

CQT welcomes Professor Low Teck Seng as the Centre’s new GB Chair. Having spent the past decade as Chief Executive Officer of NRF, Prof Low is now Senior Vice President (Sustainability & Resilience) at NUS. He is also co-chair of the National Quantum Steering Committee.  

“Globally, a lot of money is being poured into quantum. Singapore will need to have a strategic approach in using the limited resources we have to enable us to compete. We see the opportunity to move CQT to a national entity, coordinating and facilitating the growth of the quantum science and technology knowledge ecosystem. I see it as the only way forward,” he says. Find more of his views in this interview. 

Other GB members represent local stakeholders, government agencies and international perspectives. The full board is listed here: https://www.quantumlah.org/governing-board/