Three universities are partnering on a new quantum computing institute thanks to a grant from the National Science Foundation.
The University of Chicago, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the University of Wisconsin-Madison are working together to form the Quantum Leap Challenge Institute for Hybrid Quantum Architectures and Networks (HQAN). Launched with a $25 million, five-year award from the NSF, the institute will explore new ways to create and connect quantum computers and networks, the group said Tuesday in a news release.
The institute will be headquartered at the University of Illinois’ Quantum Information Science and Technology Center and is one of only three Quantum Leap Challenge Institutes in the country.
All three schools are also part of the Chicago Quantum Exchange, a hub for quantum computing.
As part of the institute, the university teams will work on developing the technology to connect different quantum devices in a network, developing a full-stack solution for a distributed computing network, and investigating new types of node architectures that have the potential to revolutionize error correction strategies.
The institute will also create new undergrad and grad training programs, as well as partnerships with industry and government labs.
“Quantum information science has the potential to change the world. But to realize that potential, we must first answer some fundamental research questions,” NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan said in a news release. “Through the Quantum Leap Challenge Institutes, NSF is making targeted investments. Within five years, we are confident these institutes can make tangible advances to help carry us into a true quantum revolution.”
