QUANTUM LEAP AFRICA

Quantum Leap Africa (QLA) is an information science and quantum technology core created by AIMS to deliver top quality high impact research in big data analytics and data science, smart systems design and the evolution and revolution of IT of the future through quantum information technology.

It is also mandated to train the next generation of innovators in information science and technology.

Big Data Analytics & Data Science

Big data is a revolution that is currently reshaping society and businesses. As well as being a field of great relevance to economic growth and development, data analytics and “big data” more generally is itself emerging as a rich intellectual discipline.

QLA seeks to assemble world-class expertise in big data and analytics, focused on

  • Improving the lives of urban and rural citizens through continuous “fitness-tracking” of their basic amenities and infrastructure, including water, energy, health, education, transport and traffic congestion, communications, jobs, housing, sewage, drainage, etc.
  • Implementing advanced systems for data gathering, systems monitoring, and rapid analysis to inform government, public agencies, and companies, as well as the population at large in order to discover hidden effectiveness enhance decision-making.

Smart Systems Design

Establish laboratory and experimental facilities, as well as recruit world-class engineers and design experts to help build exceptional training and R&D programs, focused on:

  • The development and optimization of smart systems for monitoring the everyday functioning of African towns and cities, including traffic congestion, water and power supplies, health provision and delivery, mobile communications, and environmental pollution; and
  • The development of integrated smart systems for domestic and small business needs in African settings, including solar energy and lighting, Internet and communication setups, and simple and effective refrigeration and water purification devices, in partnership with major suppliers, as well as local providers and entrepreneurs.

Quantum Information Technology (QIT)

  • 574 papers have been published by AIMS Alumni since 2004*.
  • From 2010 to 2014, researchers affiliated to AIMS Research Centres published a total of 191 papers* (*Source – Techonopolis 2015, Scopus)

Public Engagement

The combination of quantum physics and information technology has the potential to produce a new information-processing device. For example, quantum computers to manipulate data quantum mechanically, improving existing technology. Also, developing smaller and faster silicon and semiconductors based on quantum behavior of electron in such materials, quantum cryptography to guarantee secures communications.

The third component of this centre will be devoted to quantum research, both theoretical and experimental, related to and anticipating powerful new quantum technologies, including quantum computing and communication, quantum sensors, and quantum materials. These technologies are developing rapidly and should come on stream within the next decade or two. Africa urgently needs to develop its expertise to be ready to capitalize on these coming developments. The quantum science component at QLA would consist of:

  • World-class theoretical work on quantum systems, with connections to quantum computing, quantum materials and devices, as well as fundamental physics; and
  • World-class experimental work on prototypes, developed in partnership with leading centres for experimental quantum science such as IQC at the University of Waterloo, and major global companies such as IBM.

The theoretical work would be carried out under senior and junior staff scientists recruited internationally in partnership with Perimeter Institute. The experimental work would similarly require senior and junior local scientists, and, in addition, a strong partnership with a major international laboratory where prototypes would be developed before being shipped to QLA for research and training activities.