The university's renewed
investment in the National Quantum Laboratory
bolsters Maryland's leadership in
quantum computing
COLLEGE
PARK, Md., Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The
University of Maryland, an
international powerhouse in quantum research and applications, and
IonQ (NYSE: IONQ), a leader in the quantum computing industry,
today announced they have signed a $9
million agreement to expand their partnership to provide
state-of-the-art quantum computing access at the National Quantum
Lab at Maryland (QLab). Since its
launch in 2021, QLab has provided UMD-affiliated students, faculty,
researchers, staff and partners with an unprecedented opportunity
to work closely with IonQ's scientists and engineers as they gain
experience with industry-leading trapped ion quantum
computers.
University of Maryland President
Darryll J. Pines shared news of the
expanded partnership during his remarks at the third annual Quantum
World Congress, where he spoke to quantum leaders from across the
globe about the university's commitment to growing the vision of
"quantum for all", including the development of QLab.
"From computing and photonics to networks and sensors, the
University of Maryland is making sure
the Capital of Quantum is at the center of the drive, determination
and resources needed to take on the grandest challenges of our time
for the betterment of everyone," Pines said.
This expanded QLab partnership is only the most recent example
in UMD's 35-year history of quantum investments. In that time, UMD
has produced a world-leading concentration of quantum
expertise—including Nobel Laureate Dr. William Phillips. The university's 10
quantum-focused centers have over 200 researchers, who have
produced 200+ publications annually and graduated 100+
quantum-focused physics Ph.D.s over the last decade.
As a result of UMD's investments, QLab has become a quantum
innovation hub, driving economic development in the state while
attracting top talent to the region. With substantial allocations
to the open science community for high-impact scientific research
projects, UMD and IonQ strive to foster connections with
universities in Maryland and
provide access to researchers globally.
"This partnership strengthens IonQ's commitment to the state of
Maryland, a state that has
positioned itself as the Capital of Quantum," said IonQ President
and CEO Peter Chapman. "UMD's
dedication to quantum research, coupled with the collaborative
nature of QLab, makes them the ideal partner to accelerate
breakthroughs in the quantum industry."
"UMD's continued partnership with IonQ reaffirms our commitment
to quantum innovation and the dramatic impact it is making in
academia, government and the public sector," said Pines. "IonQ's
industry-leading technology and expertise make them an invaluable
partner in driving quantum research and development that will
transform lives here in Maryland
and around the world."
QLab, a first-of-its-kind lab for quantum research and
development, has supported multiple cohorts of undergraduate
interns, multiple academic research projects, and multiple
companies within UMD's Quantum Startup Foundry and
Mid-Atlantic Quantum Alliance. Workshops have also been held for
government partners such as NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, as
well as other events and tours for government and international
visitors.
The grand opening of QLab's physical location a year ago marked
a pivotal moment in establishing a collaborative, diverse quantum
research community in Maryland,
including enabling the launch of its Global User Program. QLab has
brought together stakeholders from academia, industry, and
government and integrated researchers from diverse fields such as
materials science, aerospace engineering, and climate
science.
Together with IonQ, UMD is focused on growing the quantum
computing user base by supporting research projects that advance
quantum computing solutions, enable scientific discovery, and
prepare a skilled workforce.
About the University of
Maryland
The University of Maryland (UMD) is
the state's flagship university and a leading public research
institution, propelled by a $1.3
billion joint research enterprise. Located four miles from
Washington, D.C., the university
is dedicated to addressing the grand challenges of our time and is
the nation's first Do Good campus. It is driven by a diverse and
proudly inclusive community of more than 50,000 fearless Terrapins.
UMD is a top producer of Fulbright scholars and offers an
unparalleled student experience with more than 300 academic
programs, 25 living-learning programs and 400 study abroad
programs. Spurred by a culture of innovation and creativity, UMD
faculty are global leaders in their field and include Nobel
laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners and members of the national
academies. For more information about the University of Maryland, visit umd.edu.
About IonQ
IonQ, Inc. is a leader in quantum computing that delivers
high-performance systems to solve the world's largest and most
complex commercial and research use cases. IonQ's current
generation quantum computer, IonQ Forte, is the latest in a line of
cutting-edge systems, boasting 36 algorithmic qubits. The company's
innovative technology and rapid growth were recognized in Fast
Company's 2023 Next Big Things in Tech List and Deloitte's 2023
Technology Fast 500™ List, respectively. Available through all
major cloud providers, IonQ is making quantum computing more
accessible and impactful than ever before. Learn more at
IonQ.com.
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SOURCE University of Maryland