Africa Quantum Consortium Memo
No PhD? No Problem—Quantum Hardware Needs Engineers
This Week’s 1 Big Thing at AQC: Quantum Hardware Needs Africa’s Builders—Not Just PhDs
Many young African hardware talents feel locked out of quantum—seeing only PhD roles. But real quantum machines run on classical hardware: FPGAs, DSP, RF, ADCs, DACs. No hype. Just engineering. If you know how to build, there's room for you.
What
Quantum computers rely heavily on classical control systems. FPGAs handle core functions: waveform generation, ADC/DAC interfaces, synchronization, and real-time feedback for qubit control and readout. These are engineering problems—timing precision, signal integrity, and thermal constraints—not quantum physics problems.
Why It Matters
Accessible Entry Points: Skills in FPGA programming, DSP, embedded systems, and control engineering are directly applicable to quantum hardware development.
Tool Familiarity: Engineers working with Xilinx, Red Pitaya, or Zynq boards already use platforms relevant to quantum control stacks.
Global Gaps = Local Opportunities: Many teams globally are still solving basic I/O, timing, and cryo-integration problems. These are areas where classical hardware talent is scarce but essential.
Practical Next Steps
Study Real Hardware Use Cases
• Cryogenic FPGA ADC paper → https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/7593301
• QICK for superconducting qubits → https://lss.fnal.gov/archive/2021/pub/fermilab-pub-21-472-scd.pdfQubiC → https://arxiv.org/pdf/2309.10333
Quantum AI simulator using a hybrid CPU–FPGA approach → https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-34600-2
FPGA Emulation of Quantum Circuits → https://sites.cc.gatech.edu/computing/nano/documents/Radecka%20-%20FPGA%20Emulation%20of%20Quantum%20Circuits.pdf
Look at Active Open-Source Projects
• Open-source FPGA ADC design → https://github.com/LukiLeu/FPGA_ADC
• ARTIQ for ion traps → https://github.com/m-labs/artiqApply Transferable Skills
• DSP (filtering, modulation, IQ mixing)
• Clock synchronization and high-speed I/O
• Signal routing under tight thermal and timing constraints
Bottom Line
Quantum systems need more than physicists—they need competent hardware engineers. Cryogenic FPGAs, signal integrity, and high-speed data pipelines are engineering challenges where experienced professionals can contribute today—no need for a quantum background., From from Nouakchott to Antananarivo, Africa’s hardware talent can plug into these needs with intentional upskilling and strategic collaboration.
And One More Thing…
Add your voice to the State of Quantum in Africa White Paper.
If you lead in quantum in Africa, show it. Don’t be left out.
🔗 Submit your input by July 4
The Africa Quantum Consortium is the driving force uniting Africa’s top minds to collaborate, innovate, and propel quantum technology forward across the continent.