Building the Future of Quantum Computing with Diraq CEO Andrew Dzurak

Interview conducted by Tom Zuber, Managing Partner at Zuber Lawler

Interview conducted by Tom Zuber, Managing Partner at Zuber Lawler
Guest: Andrew Dzurak CEO and Founder, Diraq
October 15, 2025 | Article

Quantum computing is moving from theory into practice, and companies across the world are racing to demonstrate commercial value. From pharmaceuticals to finance to energy, the promise of quantum systems is to tackle problems that are beyond the reach of today’s supercomputers. While many organizations are developing superconducting circuits, trapped ions, or photonics, Diraq, an Australian-US company, is focusing on silicon quantum dot technology. By leveraging the same CMOS processes that underpin modern electronics, Diraq aims to scale efficiently, manage costs, and address energy use in ways that set it apart from competitors. To explore this vision, Tom Zuber spoke with Andrew Dzurak, CEO and Founder of Diraq, about the company’s roadmap, commercialization strategy, and role in the global quantum race.

Q1. What makes silicon quantum dot technology unique compared to other approaches in quantum computing?
Andrew Dzurak:
Our technology is a variant of the same silicon CMOS chips used in phones and laptops. We showed that a standard silicon transistor can be converted into a quantum bit, or qubit. The advantage is twofold: these qubits are extremely small, comparable in size to existing transistors, which means we can fit hundreds of millions on a single chip. They can also be manufactured in the same commercial chip foundries that produce conventional processors. This makes scaling more straightforward and cost-effective than other platforms such as superconducting circuits or ion traps.

Q2. Diraq has set a bold goal: billions of qubits in a single system. How do you get there?
Andrew Dzurak:
That goal is central to everything we do. Because our qubits are so small, we can place up to 100 million on a single chip with current semiconductor methods. With a handful of these chips, you can reach a billion qubits within a compact system that fits inside one refrigeration unit. This approach avoids the need to interconnect thousands of separate modules, which other platforms require. The result is a smaller footprint, lower electricity costs, and ultimately a more affordable machine, which is crucial if quantum is to have a global impact.

Q3. How does Diraq’s roadmap translate into solving real-world problems?
Andrew Dzurak:
Right now, our devices operate at the handful-of-qubit level, which is not yet commercially useful. By 2029, we plan to release our first product with thousands of qubits. That will be enough to surpass the capabilities of today’s supercomputers for problems such as materials design. By 2033, we expect to deliver a system with millions of qubits, enabling breakthroughs in pharmaceuticals, financial modeling, logistics, and advanced energy solutions. The 2029 product is our critical milestone, proof that this technology can deliver meaningful results. After that, our focus is to keep adding more processing power without increasing the size or cost of the system.

Q4. Commercialization is a challenge across the industry. Which sectors will adopt quantum computing first?
Andrew Dzurak:
Pharmaceuticals are at the top of the list. Developing a new drug costs billions and takes years of trials. Quantum computers, paired with AI, could reduce that dramatically by modeling molecules more accurately and efficiently. Finance is another key area. Quantum will not run trading systems in real time, but it will train AI models that underpin advanced financial strategies. Beyond that, materials science is a major opportunity: lighter batteries for the energy transition, stronger composites for aerospace, and catalysts to capture carbon from the atmosphere. These types of applications cut across multiple industries and have the potential to reshape global markets.

Q5. Quantum computing requires enormous energy. How does your approach address sustainability?
Andrew Dzurak:
Energy efficiency is one of the main advantages of silicon quantum dots. Because our qubits are so small, we only need to cool a few chips, rather than a large array of bulky components. Our refrigerators are about the size of a standard data-center rack, and their power consumption is modest. In fact, the classical processors we use for quantum error correction consume as much energy as the refrigeration itself. This balance is critical. If quantum is to help solve problems like climate change, it must do so without creating new energy challenges.

Looking Forward
Diraq’s approach stands out for its scalability, cost control, and energy efficiency. By working with silicon, the same foundation as today’s electronics, the company is positioned to deliver practical quantum systems faster than many competitors. With a clear plan to bring a commercial product to market in 2029 and a vision for large-scale deployment by 2033, Diraq is establishing itself as a company to watch in the next phase of quantum computing.

Disclaimer: The responses in this interview have been condensed and re-summarized for clarity and readability and do not represent verbatim quotations. The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not guaranteed to be accurate or complete. The publishers, the authors, nor the interview participants are not responsible for any errors or omissions in, or arising from the use of, this information. None of the content constitutes legal advice or any other form of professional advice. Accordingly, neither the publishers, the authors, nor the interview participants are providing legal or other professional services through the publication of this interview.

Filed under: Quantum Computing, Quantum Hardware, Silicon Quantum Dots, Diraq, Andrew Dzurak, Quantum Commercialization, Quantum Technology, Semiconductor Innovation