Ohio State joins national initiative to accelerate innovation in quantum technology

The Ohio State University has joined the Chicago Quantum Exchange, a growing intellectual hub for the research and development of quantum technology.

The exchange, based at the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, announced the addition today of Ohio State and the Weizmann Institute of Science as partners, referring to both as world-leading research institutions at the forefront of quantum information science and engineering.

“Quantum information technology presents unique opportunities for students and researchers to engage in curiosity-driven and cutting-edge work that solves the problems people face in their everyday lives,” said Ohio State President Kristina M. Johnson. “As a result of this partnership with CQE, Ohio State faculty and students will have the opportunity to learn alongside brilliant collaborators and make a real-world and far-reaching impact.”

Ohio State is the Chicago Quantum Exchange’s first regional partner, strengthening the organization’s connections throughout the Midwest and the nation. The lead member institution in the multi-institutional quantum education initiative QuSTEAM, the university is dedicated to preparing a quantum-ready workforce that can meet the existing and growing demand across the communications, optics, computing and materials industries.

The exchange is composed of a community of researchers aiming to accelerate discovery and innovation in quantum technology and develop new ways of understanding the laws of quantum mechanics, the theory that governs nature at its smallest scales. Anchored by the University of Chicago, Argonne National Laboratory, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, CQE also includes the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Northwestern University as well as a range of industry partners.

“Having partners across the world, and across the Midwest, broadens our perspectives and as we continue to grow our community from the heart of U.S. quantum research in Chicago,” said David Awschalom, the Liew Family Professor in Molecular Engineering and Physics at the University of Chicago and director of the Chicago Quantum Exchange. “We look forward to collaborating with Ohio State and the Weizmann Institute to advance quantum science and technology and develop a strong, diverse quantum workforce.”

In addition to advancing research in multiple quantum and physics areas as well as such disciplines as nanomechanics and physical chemistry, the exchange seeks to attract talent, funding and industry to the Chicago area to become the source for tomorrow’s leading quantum engineers.

“Working with leaders at Ohio State University and the Weizmann Institute has reinforced for us the deep value of global collaboration on quantum science and technology,” said Juan de Pablo, vice president for national laboratories, science strategy, innovation and global initiatives at the University of Chicago. “Quantum information science is poised to make a profound impact on research, technology and business growth around the globe, and we are excited to continue advancing that work with some of the world’s great research organizations.”