Quantum computing gets a big investment from South Carolina
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - The next technology that has the potential to transform industries from health care to finance to manufacturing – is one you might not be aware of.
It’s called “quantum computing” – and thanks to a significant investment from the General Assembly – South Carolina’s already getting involved in what one lawmaker calls the technology of the future.
The current state budget included $15 million to bring access to quantum computing to South Carolina.
It’s the state’s largest investment ever in a tech initiative.
Right from their laptops, University of South Carolina students can tap into a web portal and access the transformative technology many miles away.
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The use the quantum computer to solve complex problems like how to build a financial portfolio that’ll make the most money with the least risk.
“If we were to do it classically, it would take hundreds, if not thousands of years sometimes, when a quantum computer would take minutes,” said Jordan Fowler, a senior at USC.
Fowler is among the first team of students in South Carolina to have this access, thanks to $15 million the legislature spent to get this program started.
“The quantum technology is the technology of the future, and we at South Carolina shouldn’t be lagging behind. We can be on the cutting edge of that,” said Sen. Dick Harpootlian, D-Richland.
Harpootlian advocated to fund this program, which is overseen by the newly formed South Carolina Quantum Association.
The association’s executive director, Joe Queenan, says the key component of this investment is education – training students throughout the state in this emerging technology.
“We ought to do whatever we can to make sure that technology stays here and again, that the best and the brightest stay here in South Carolina,” Harpootlian said.
They could potentially start their own companies in South Carolina, or more companies could move and grow in the state to tap into that burgeoning network of experts.
“Students come in, and then they’re developed really well over the years with the top-tier talent and the top-tier resources and technology, and if we can do that same thing here in this state, I don’t know why anyone would want to leave,” Fowler said.
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