Quantum computers, once confined to the realm of theoretical physics and high-tech labs, are now becoming accessible through a do-it-yourself (DIY) kit. Barcelona-based Qilimanjaro has launched EduQit, a flatpack quantum computer designed for research institutions and the next generation of quantum scientists.
The EduQit Components
The kit isn’t a plug-and-play device. It includes a superconducting chip – the core of the quantum computer – alongside a specialized refrigerator (critical for maintaining the chip’s superconducting state), electronic controls, and all necessary wiring and hardware. The price tag? Around €1 million.
This price point, while steep, undercuts the cost of fully assembled systems built by tech giants like Google, which aims to reduce its component costs to bring machines under $1 billion. Other companies, like Rigetti, sell core chips for around $900,000, leaving buyers to source the remaining components independently.
Assembly and Training
Assembling EduQit isn’t simple. Qilimanjaro offers up to three months of training from its researchers, with full system readiness taking at least ten months of work. This hands-on approach is intentional: the firm wants to provide real-world experience to students and researchers who otherwise might only interact with quantum computing through cloud access or simulations.
Why This Matters
The availability of a DIY kit represents a significant leap in quantum computing accessibility. While EduQit’s five qubits are less powerful than cutting-edge devices, it offers a cost-effective solution for institutions lacking the resources to build systems from scratch. The firm hopes to emulate the success of the Raspberry Pi, an educational tool that evolved into a widely used platform for hobbyists and professionals.
The Future of Quantum Computing
Quantum computers hold the potential to solve problems intractable for even the most powerful supercomputers, from breaking modern encryption to accelerating drug discovery. However, these machines are fragile and prone to errors. Broadening access to quantum hardware, as EduQit aims to do, could accelerate innovation by fostering a wider base of experimentation and problem-solving.
As Katia Moskovitch of Quantum Machines points out, “The more people get a chance to play with them, the more likely it is that answers will be found.”
The fact that a quantum computer comparable to state-of-the-art devices from a decade ago can now be sold as a kit underscores the rapid advancements in this field. It’s a sign that quantum computing is maturing beyond the exclusive domain of large corporations and well-funded labs.
