Jeremy O'Brien (PsiQuantum)
Overview
Jeremy O'Brien is a distinguished physicist and co-founder of PsiQuantum, a quantum computing company based in Silicon Valley. Born in 1975 in Australia, O'Brien has a notable background in quantum optics and quantum information science. He has published over 150 scientific papers, underlining his robust contribution to the field of quantum computing. O'Brien's primary claim to fame is his pioneering work in developing a silicon photonics-based quantum computer, which integrates the advanced manufacturing capabilities of the semiconductor industry. His leadership at PsiQuantum aims to build the world's first utility-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer, leveraging photonic qubits for scalability and effectiveness.
Recent Developments
In recent years, Jeremy O'Brien and PsiQuantum have been at the forefront of significant advancements in quantum computing:
- 2025: PsiQuantum announced a monumental $1 billion funding round, aiming to construct million-qubit fault-tolerant quantum computers. This funding was led by BlackRock, Temasek, and Baillie Gifford, among others, and it raised the company's valuation to $7 billion. The funds will accelerate the construction of quantum computing sites in Brisbane and Chicago, and collaborate with NVIDIA to enhance quantum computing technologies (source) (source).
- 2024: PsiQuantum had raised significant investments to build a quantum computing facility in Australia with government backing, and announced collaborations in Chicago, supported by state funding and incentive (source).
- 2023: Through extensive research in photonic quantum computing, PsiQuantum published advances in silicon photonics technology, capturing the attention of global tech and academic sectors for its potential in practical applications (source).
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jeremy L. O'Brien |
| Born | November 7, 1975, Australia |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Occupation | Physicist, CEO of PsiQuantum |
| Known For | Integrated Quantum Photonics, PsiQuantum |
| Education | Ph.D. in Physics, University of New South Wales |
Early Life and Education
Jeremy O'Brien was born in 1975 in Australia. He pursued his initial academic endeavors at the University of Western Australia, where he completed undergraduate studies, gaining a BA and BSc, laying his interdisciplinary foundation. He went on to earn a Ph.D. in Quantum Physics from the University of New South Wales in 2002. His early research was significantly influenced by his work on quantum optics and quantum information at institutions like the University of Queensland, where he contributed to seminal quantum gate research. His educational journey imbued him with a pioneering spirit that has driven his career in quantum computing.
Career and Notable Achievements
Jeremy O’Brien’s career trajectory has been marked by several key achievements:
- Academic Roles: O'Brien served as a Professorial Research Fellow and later as a Professor at the University of Bristol, and held visiting positions at Stanford University. During his academic tenure, he was instrumental in foundational work in quantum optics.
- PsiQuantum Foundation: Co-founding PsiQuantum in 2015, he has since been pivotal in steering the company to its current technological and financial milestones, securing over a billion dollars in funding.
- Scientific Contributions: Inventor of the integrated quantum photonics field, O'Brien has significantly advanced the understanding and application of photonic qubits (source).
- Industry Leadership: Under O’Brien’s leadership, PsiQuantum has been recognized as a leading force in quantum computing, differentiating itself with a unique photonic approach.
Current Work and Impact
Jeremy O’Brien’s current work with PsiQuantum focuses on developing fault-tolerant quantum computers using photonic qubits. This approach is expected to overcome the significant technical barriers of traditional quantum systems. PsiQuantum is engaged in partnerships globally to utilize their technology for solving complex challenges in various sectors, such as healthcare, climate change, and transportation. Their innovations promise a transformative leap in computational capabilities, potentially redefining industries reliant on high-performance computing.
Conclusion
Jeremy O’Brien has emerged as a visionary leader in the race to unlock the potential of quantum computing. His commitment to leveraging photonic technology underlines a profound shift in how quantum systems can be practically and commercially realized. O’Brien’s work continues to inspire advances and investment in quantum technology, holding the promise to address some of the most complex challenges faced by society today.