The operative word here is simulate in the sense of "approximate". Actual quantum mechanics is fraught with infinities which are gotten around via mathematical slight-of-hand designed to provide workable approximations to the hypothesized actual phenomena.
And even with these simplifications actual simulation of even the simplest quantum mechanical systems takes gargantuan amounts of computer resources. We are far, far away from being able to simulate anything as large as a single neuron at a quantum level, much less an actual brain.
But beyond that the science is backwards because it presumes that consciousness is an epiphenomenon of matter when quantum mechanics itself has told us repeatedly over the past century that matter is an emergent phenomenon of consciousness.
It's been well noted that AI has been the "next big thing" for 60 years and counting. These sort of projects make for great press, but don't hold your breath.