A New NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center in Indiana: The Center for Quantum Technologies
Grush: Those are fantastic benefits for the members. What are the benefits for the universities involved?
Decca: The obvious benefit is that we get funding to do the research that we love, but I think about the benefit for our students. They get firsthand interaction with our industry members, giving them a very unique learning experience. And as Sabre mentioned previously, there is opportunity for students to obtain supplemental funding from NSF to intern at the member companies. That's exciting because it is going to prepare them to make immediate impacts in the corporate or government world upon graduation.
Kais: And we continue to mention: Growing this ecosystem where we build relationships with industry and government is going to lead to transformational breakthroughs in quantum science and engineering disciplines.
Growing this ecosystem where we build relationships with industry and government is going to lead to transformational breakthroughs in quantum science and engineering disciplines.
Grush: Are there any possibilities for other academic institutions to join, beyond the original Indiana neighbors?
Stewart: Yes, that is certainly an option, and one we would strongly consider, but it has to be the right fit. First, another university would need to bring unique expertise to the table not already present within the CQT. And second, they would need to bring additional members with them. All IUCRCs must maintain a minimum membership level which increases as the number of university partners increases. So we would ideally target a university that already has strong quantum industry and government partners not already present in the CQT.
Grush: The CQT is funded for at least 5 years. What are your hopes for the CQT during this 5-year window?
Kais: We hope to carry out world-class research that grows our knowledge of quantum science and engineering, and we hope this knowledge will eventually lead to next generation quantum materials, devices, algorithms, and more. And I'll say it again: We want to stimulate a dynamic quantum ecosystem, where strong relationships are built and all participants — faculty, students, industry, and government — receive extreme value for their support and investment in the center.
Grush: Many thanks to all of you for your time and insights. What can readers interested in the CQT do to get more information?
Stewart: They can visit our website at www.purdue.edu/cqt or e-mail us at [email protected]. On behalf of the entire CQT, thanks for the opportunity to highlight the center today!
About the Author
Mary Grush is Editor and Conference Program Director, Campus Technology.