The rise of quantum: New centers channel funding and research into advancing next-generation quantum systems

The use of computer modeling and simulations has skyrocketed in recent years as researchers aim to identify promising new material structures and compositions faster and at lower costs than traditional trial-and-error experiments.

The emerging field of quantum computing offers the possibility to identify materials even faster and more accurately. Interest in this possibility is so intense that Tech Briefs magazine made quantum computing in materials science the cover story for its March 2024 issue.

Before quantum computers can be used to identify promising materials, though, novel materials and procedures must be developed to create these next-generation computing systems. In the past year, many new quantum technology research centers were launched around the world to address this need. Below is an overview of some new centers and facilities announced since the beginning of 2024.

North America

Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute

The University of British Columbia received $5.8 million in investments from the Canada Foundation for Innovation and the B.C. Knowledge Development Fund to develop a crystal growth facility, which will aid in the synthesis of quantum materials that have not been easily accessible before. Materials scientists from the University of British Columbia’s Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute will lead these efforts. Learn more.

UCLA Center for Quantum Science and Engineering

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) plans to turn a sprawling former shopping mall site into the UCLA Research Park, which will house a new quantum research innovation hub led by UCLA’s Center for Quantum Science and Engineering. The goal is to unite researchers and partners across disciplines to not only develop a new quantum industry workforce but to also create innovations in communications, computing, and other areas. Learn more.

Quantum New Mexico Institute

The University of New Mexico (UNM) is partnering with Sandia National Laboratories to launch the Quantum New Mexico Institute, which will be jointly located at UNM facilities and Sandia Labs. The goal of this center is to help affirm New Mexico as a national leader in quantum research and education. Learn more.

IBM Quantum Innovation Center

The University of Southern California (USC) is partnering with IBM to establish USC’s IBM Quantum Innovation Center, which will welcome researchers and students alike. This new center is a part of USC President Carol Folt’s Frontiers of Computing “moonshot,” a $1 billion initiative that supports innovations like quantum computing. Learn more.

Texas Quantum Institute

The Texas Quantum Institute, established by The University of Texas at Austin, aims to bridge basic research and applied science in the field of quantum computing. The Institute will be led by co-directors Elaine Li and Xiuling Li and unite more than 30 researchers. Learn more.

Europe

Copenhagen Center for Biomedical Quantum Sensing

The Novo Nordisk Foundation awarded a grant of DKK 150 million (US$21.5 million) to establish the Copenhagen Center for Biomedical Quantum Sensing. This international collaboration will be led by the University of Copenhagen, Technical University of Denmark, and the University of Texas at Austin and will focus on quantum sensing technology innovations to improve healthcare and medical diagnoses. Learn more.

Finnish Quantum Flagship

The Finnish Quantum Flagship (FQF) is a collaboration between several Finnish organizations that seeks to foster a developing workforce in quantum technology and initiate new quantum research activities. The project will take place from 2024 to 2031 and is funded by €13 million from the Research Council of Finland. The FQF includes Aalto University (coordinator), the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, the University of Helsinki, the University of Jyväskylä, Tampere University, the University of Oulu, and the CSC-IT Centre for Science. Learn more.

Fujitsu Advanced Computing Lab Delft

Fujitsu and Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands established the Fujitsu Advanced Computing Lab Delft to develop diamond-spin quantum computing technologies as part of an industry–academia collaboration through the Fujitsu Small Research Lab initiative. Learn more.

King’s Quantum

King’s College London launched the King’s Quantum research center with the goal of advancing quantum technology research in areas such as healthcare, security, and industry. The center will be directed by James Millen. Learn more.

Center for Doctoral Training in Quantum Technology Engineering

The University of Southampton received funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council to launch the Center for Doctoral Training in Quantum Technology Engineering. Director Tim Freegarde says the center will be a crucial part in government plans to transform Britain into a quantum-enabled economy by 2033. Learn more.