Based in Johannesburg, Wits University, has received a substantial amount to the tune of R54 million from the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI).
The funding to Wits University is meant to kick-start the South African Quantum Technologies Initiative (SA QuTI).
A media release suggests that this funding follows a written proposal by a national consortium led by Wits professor Andrew Forbes, which saw the DSI commit the first tranche of funding up until March 2025, to set up the national quantum technologies initiative.
Approved by the DSI last year, the SA QuTI is a national undertaking that seeks to create conducive conditions in SA for a globally-competitive research environment in quantum computing technologies and to grow the local quantum technology industry.
According to Wits and Forbes, the funding will focus on human capital development, development of emerging leaders, access to quantum computers and advocacy, as well as support for quantum communications.
In addition, it will help in the establishment of quantum nodes at five universities or centres such as Wits, University of Zululand (UniZulu), Stellenbosch University, University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), and Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT).
“We managed to convince the government that quantum research is too important to leave to a small research group and that they should invest in a national programme,” says Forbes.
“It means we can drive the technology and get many quantum nodes up to scratch. The aim is to develop people who can do something with the science so that we can be part of the quantum revolution and develop a quantum economy.”
Quantum computing technology and quantum technology-driven research is not new concept for the Braamfontein-based higher learning institution.
The higher education institution, Wits, partnered with a US-headquartered computing giant IBM in 2019 and announced the expansion of its quantum computing efforts to Africa in a new collaboration with Wits.
This groundbreaking partnership saw the institution become the first African partner on the IBM Q Network and the gateway for academics across SA and to the 15 universities that are part of the African Research Universities Alliance.
“The aim is to eventually have a well-established critical mass in the national quantum community and to work with government to draft new legislation, where it comes to quantum technologies,” Forbes added.
“The moment quantum computers can crack the code, current encryption systems are going to fail. You will need to have quantum security in place.
“It is important to see this not as a physics initiative. We want to involve people with different skillsets, wherever they are so that we can build a vibrant quantum community and a viable quantum industry.”
Main Image: Wits University/Wits.Ac.Za
