The University of Chicago will partner with global quantum company IonQ on a groundbreaking initiative that will advance research and discovery in quantum science and engineering, helping develop technologies with the potential to improve lives—from powerful quantum computers and ultra-secure quantum communication networks to industry-defining quantum applications and record-breaking quantum sensors.
IonQ also is poised to join the Chicago Quantum Exchange as its third core partner, alongside Boeing and IBM. As part of the arrangement, the CQE will expand the fiber quantum testbed that connects UChicago, CQE, and Argonne National Laboratory and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Chicago’s western suburbs—which at 124 miles is already one of the nation’s longest quantum networks. Applications of utility-scale quantum networks include unbreakable encryption, distributed quantum computing and ultra-precise, connected quantum sensing.
The collaboration with IonQ further establishes UChicago as a global leader in quantum science and engineering—and Chicago and the Illinois-Wisconsin-Indiana region as a growing hub for cutting-edge quantum research and industry. The initiative will support faculty, postdoctoral and student researchers in fundamental quantum science at the UChicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (UChicago PME) and establish a sponsored research program between UChicago and IonQ. The partnership includes the construction of a world-class science and engineering building at UChicago that will house UChicago PME and other University science and technology research areas. In recognition of the agreement, the building planned at 56th Street and Ellis Avenue will be named the IonQ Center for Engineering and Science.
“At the University of Chicago, our leadership in quantum science is built on groundbreaking research and powerful collaborations,” said UChicago President Paul Alivisatos. “This new partnership with IonQ reflects our conviction that foundational discovery and industry can advance the field together. With this support, our faculty and students will be able to reach further—to test bold ideas, accelerate new scientific discoveries and innovation, and help shape the future of the strongest quantum technology ecosystem in the world, right here in Chicago.”
The partnership between IonQ and UChicago will bring together two global leaders in quantum science and translational practice. IonQ is known for advancing trapped ion quantum technologies with leading performance; for its work in entanglement-based quantum networking, which has the potential to amplify other quantum technologies by connecting quantum devices with ultra-secure links; and for its record-breaking quantum clocks and quantum inertial sensors.
UChicago is home to the CQE, one of the largest collaborative teams working on quantum science in the world, has played a key role in integrating industry into the region’s strong research foundation to create a globally recognized hub for quantum innovation. In addition to seven members, the CQE has nearly 60 corporate, international, nonprofit, and regional partners. UChicago also offers one of the nation’s first PhD programs in quantum science and engineering and houses the Chicago Quantum Institute at UChicago PME.
“This collaboration recognizes both the transformative potential of quantum science and engineering and the University of Chicago’s investments and leadership in this area,” said Nadya Mason, dean of UChicago PME and interim vice president for Science, Innovation and Partnerships at UChicago. “Our partnership with IonQ will accelerate quantum discovery and translation, advancing technologies that power a more secure, sustainable and connected world while creating new opportunities for the next generation of researchers.”
The initiative also could seed more than 140 research and technology development projects based at UChicago and extend them to national laboratories, other universities and industry partners. The installation of IonQ’s production-grade trapped ion quantum technology could pave the way toward novel uses of quantum simulators and computers, ranging from the simulation of new quantum materials with entangled atomic states to calculating the reaction rates for large molecules—computations that are difficult to impossible today through classical techniques. Connecting quantum computers to quantum networks could create an interconnected quantum ecosystem and powerful new research tool, with potential benefits to human health, energy technologies and the environment.