The 6th International Conference on Spin-Based Quantum Information Processing, or more succinctly, “Spin Qubit 6”, was held very recently from 4-8 November 2024. The “twist” this year, pardon the pun, was that it was held here in Sydney, Australia.

Diraq had a significant presence at the conference.  Our CEO, Prof. Andrew Dzurak, as one of the conference chairs, delivered the opening address along with A/Prof. Arne Laucht, Dr Henry Yang and Dr Nard Dumoulin Stuyck contributing across the local organising committee.

Andrew Dzurak delivering opening address. Image credit: A Laucht

The event consisted of a week of talks by leading academics from around the world. The range of topics was vast - from spin physics to exotic qubit platforms and everything related from a theoretical and experimental point of view. Andrew was able to showcase Diraq during a session on industry invited talks.

Feedback from many of the participants, including staff and students was really positive, with some key highlights detailed in personal comments below.

Let’s hear from our Senior Systems Engineer -Yael:

“I recently joint the group at Diraq and this, Spin Qubit 6, was my first conference, and the first opportunity to see the cutting-edge research in this field from various research facilities around the world.

The event provided a valuable opportunity to delve into specific area of expertise relevant to our core business while gaining a broader perspective on the overall state of the field. 
In respect to my role as the systems engineer, it was interesting as it provided further clarity on the research status and the associated challenges that we are focused on in our journey to a fault tolerant quantum computer.”  

The talks also provided a catalyst for all attendees to interact with each other as well as the speakers. Across three days there were poster sessions that provided ample opportunities for networking.

Let’s hear from Hieu, Research Associate and PhD student with Diraq, about her experience of the event:

“The Spin Qubit 6 conference was an incredible experience! Over the five days, researchers shared the recent advancements in their field. The talks and poster sessions were especially engaging. I really enjoyed the poster session, where I had the chance to discuss flip-chip bonding and quantum device fabrication directly with other attendees-a great opportunity to both learn and exchange ideas.

Alongside updates in SiGe and SiMOS quantum dot spin qubits, we also attended fascinating sessions on 2D materials and photonics-based spin qubits, which introduced exciting new physics. One of the highlights, beyond the scientific talks, was the whale-watching cruise organized by the conference team. It was a perfect balance of learning, sharing and fun!”

In between the sessions, there were opportunities for exhibitors and attendees to network. At the Diraq display booth we were able to meet new and familiar peers in the spin qubit industry alike.

Dr Fay Hudson at the Diraq trade booth. Image credit: H. Williams

Let’s hear from one of our Measurement Engineers, Sam:

“Meeting giants of the field, seeing giants in the ocean, and witnessing gigantic new results are some of the key reasons why SQ6 holds a special place among quantum-focused conferences. 

The Spin Qubit conferences are unique in their format, inviting top experts to give longer, in-depth presentations that often span multiple projects, offering better context to the scope of their work. 

As an attendee of SQ5 as well, the biennial model emphasizes the unbelievable pace of progress across the entire field. 

Of course, a hallmark of any great conference is a memorable mid-week activity, and SQ6 featured one of the best: whale watching on a boat off the beautiful north Sydney shoreline. While SQ7 looks to be even more exciting, it will be hard to surpass such an awesome event.”

Majestic moment while whale watching. Image credit: R Su

All of Team Diraq found the entire event very valuable. It was fantastic to hear such great research and engineering progress in the field, to meet peers new and old in the spin qubit field. 

We look forward to Spin Qubit 7 in 2026!

Team Diraq at the Spin Qubit 6 Conference. Image credit: P Mai