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Singapore announces close to US$222 million (S$300 million) investment over the next five years to develop quantum computers and talent pool under the National Quantum Strategy (NQS).
It has also launched the Green Data Centre (DC) Roadmap to guide digital sustainability and chart green growth pathways for DCs, supporting AI and compute developments.
Quantum computing is an emerging technology that uses principles of quantum physics to solve problems too complex for classical computers. It is also expected to unlock new advancements in raw computing power, simulation and optimisation with the potential to revolutionise industries and spur innovation.
Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the National Research Foundation Heng Swee Keat said that just like digitalisation during the Covid-19 pandemic and AI today, quantum technology holds promise as the next wave of technological advancement.
He unveiled the NQS focusing on four strategic improvements including scientific excellence in quantum research, strengthening engineering capabilities, developing talent pipeline and fostering innovation and enterprise partnerships to build a vibrant quantum industry.
Heng said the NQS will back funding initiatives to elevate the Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT) and the National Quantum Sensor Programme to enhance Singapore’s capabilities in quantum sensing technologies.
This program will help bring about collaborations with industry partners on research projects in various fields, including environmental monitoring and biomedical imaging.
The sum will also be spent on the Quantum Processor Initiative (NQPI) set up to enable Singapore to design and build its own practical quantum processor and the National Quantum Scholarships Scheme (NQSS) to drive talent development.
Green DC roadmap
Singapore’s senior minister of State for Communications and Information, Dr Janil Puthucheary, the new Green DC roadmap aims to provide at least 300 megawatts of additional capacity in the near term, with much more through green energy deployments.
The additional capacity is aimed at seeding innovative ways to accelerate energy efficiency, as well as hybrid ways to enhance capacity through green energy.
The Roadmap also outlines Infocomm Media Development Authority’s plans to partner the industry to accelerate DC sustainability by improving efficiency at hardware and software levels.
It will also push for use of green energy to expand capacity, and explore to deploy this at scale over time to maximise space for continued DCs’ growth.