To learn more about the partners program, contact quantum@uchicago.edu.
About
Partners
The Chicago Quantum Exchange partners with industry, international, nonprofit and regional colleagues to collaboratively accelerate the progress of quantum science. Partners and CQE scientists combine the unique capabilities of their organizations to advance research, address gaps in the quantum and tech industries and expand career opportunities for the next generation of the quantum workforce. By combining efforts with one another, CQE and its partners bridge institutional boundaries and create a united quantum community.
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Learn more about our Corporate Partners
Boeing
Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners, defense, space and security systems. As part of Boeing’s Disruptive Computing and Networks (DC&N) organization, which works on quantum communications and computing, as well as neuromorphic processing and advanced sensing, the company supports collaborative research projects at CQE members institutions.
IBM
Scientists from across the CQE collaborate with IBM and its IBM Q Network on hardware and software, in particular on compilers for distributed quantum systems, as well as quantum transduction for coupling and communicating with quantum computers. IBM also supports five postdoctoral researchers to work closely with scientists across the CQE and IBM to advance quantum research.
Ally
Ally Financial, a leading digital financial-services company working to change the online banking landscape with innovative digital experiences. Ally hopes to explore potential quantum technology use cases in areas such as data security, analytical modeling, and portfolio optimization.
Applied Materials
Applied Materials, Inc. is the leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. Applied’s expertise in modifying materials at atomic levels and on an industrial scale can help enable technology advancements across a broad range of applications.
Atom Computing
Atom Computing develops quantum computers with nuclear-spin qubits made from optically trapped neutral atoms, is on a mission to build the world’s most scalable and reliable quantum computers. In July 2021, the company announced its first 100-qubit quantum computer, Phoenix. The company recently announced a $60 million in Series B round, which will enable Atom Computing to build and bring to market their second-generation of quantum computers.
Cisco
Cisco is the worldwide leader in technology that powers the Internet. The company’s Cisco Research community includes scientists and engineers who are actively involved in designing and constructing a practical quantum network, a cornerstone technology for the future quantum internet. Other products and services include collaboration solutions, security solutions, wireless and mobility, data center, Internet of Things (IoT), video, analytics, and software solutions.
Corning
Corning is one of the world's leading innovators in materials science, with a 170-year track record of life-changing inventions. Corning applies its unparalleled expertise in glass science, ceramics science, and optical physics, along with its deep manufacturing and engineering capabilities, to develop category-defining products that transform industries and enhance people's lives.
Discover
Discover is a leading digital bank and global payments network driven by advanced analytics and technology to meet the needs of its customers, merchants, and partners around the globe. Discover aims to accelerate quantum information science applications in financial services – including advancements in anomaly detection, analytical modeling, and data security – and to develop and support scientific and engineering talent in the quantum field.
Duality
Duality is the first accelerator program in the nation exclusively dedicated to supporting quantum startups. This 12-month accelerator will focus on supporting and advancing companies that are building quantum technologies, products, and applications, and related enabling technologies. Duality is led by the University of Chicago's Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and the Chicago Quantum Exchange, along with founding partners the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Argonne National Laboratory, and P33.
D-Wave Quantum Inc.
D-Wave Quantum Inc. is a leading provider of quantum computing systems, software, and services, and the only company building both annealing and gate model quantum computers. With the world’s largest annealing quantum computer, with over 5,000 qubits, and a suite of tools and professional services, D-Wave delivers measurable ROI on complex optimization problems spanning various industries, such as logistics, manufacturing, retail, financial services, life sciences, government, public sector and research.
EeroQ
EeroQ aims to build a large-scale commercial quantum computer using electrons trapped on the surface of superfluid helium. This technology has the potential for an ideal qubit, with exceptionally long coherence times, CMOS compatibility, and fast gates—key advantages in quantum computer design. EeroQ’s team is led by professors from and Michigan State University and Princeton University, as well as famed multidisciplinary executive Faye Wattleton.
Great Lakes Crystal Technologies
Great Lakes Crystal Technologies (GLCT) launched in 2019 to become the leading domestic manufacturer of high-performance diamond for high-tech applications in quantum technology, electronics, optics, and high-energy particle detection. GLCT’s technical advantage derives from patented technology developed over 25 years at Michigan State University. GLCT’s R&D facility is fully operational; its prototype manufacturing line is under construction; and it is planning to create an advanced diamond materials and applications center in the Midwest to supply high-performance diamond to US Government agencies, universities, and the commercial sector while creating hundreds of high-tech jobs in materials manufacturing & applications in the Midwest.
HRL Laboratories
HRL Laboratories is a research and development laboratory that specializes in advancing ultra-high-performance circuitry, robust computing and communications, automated data extraction, and innovative architected materials. HRL’s quantum efforts include investigating spin-based semiconductor qubits as well as interfaces between qubits and photons.
Infleqtion
Built on ColdQuanta’s 15 years of pioneering quantum research, the umbrella brand Infleqtion is building an ecosystem of quantum technologies and commercial products for today, driving us – and the entire industry – toward tomorrow. Infleqtion encompasses ColdQuanta, a leader in applying quantum atomic technology that partnered with CQE member institution University of Wisconsin-Madison to apply cold atom technology to quantum computing, and Super.tech, a quantum computing software company originally part of the Duality Accelerator's inaugural cohort, until it was acquired by Infleqtion in 2022.
JPMorgan Chase
JPMorgan Chase is a leader in the field of quantum algorithms and applications for financial use cases, such as portfolio optimization, option pricing and reinforcement learning, as well as general foundational algorithms with cross-domain applicability, such as quantum search. The firm has made a significant investment in quantum computing, collaborating with multiple quantum providers and forums. Its research team is also actively working in the area of post-quantum cryptography.
KPMG LLP
KPMG LLP is the U.S. firm of the KPMG global organization, providing audit, tax, and advisory services. The KPMG global organization operates in 143 countries and territories, employing more than 273,000 people worldwide. Each KPMG firm is a distinct legal entity and operates as such. KPMG is recognized for its commitment to community service, diversity and inclusion, and addressing childhood illiteracy.
Lake Shore Cryotronics
Lake Shore Cryotronics provides high-performance cryogenic temperature instruments and sensors with calibrations down to 5 mK; low-vibration cryostats for ultra-high vacuum environments; cryogenic wafer probe stations; and complete materials characterization solutions for exploring and developing next-generation quantum materials.
memQ
memQ uses cross-cutting core capabilities in materials and integrated photonics to enable quantum technologies. A primary focus is the development of on-chip hardware for quantum networking applications. For qubits, their technology uses erbium atoms integrated via doped thin films on a scalable platform; they are also compatible with the existing fiber optic communication infrastructure—meaning quantum data can travel on the same infrastructure as our regular data.
Microsoft
Microsoft has driven advances in scalable quantum technology for nearly two decades. Their global team of physicists, computer and materials scientists, engineers, developers, and enthusiasts are collaborating with a broad community to advance a full-stack quantum computing system, develop practical solutions, enable a quantum community, and accelerate quantum workforce development
Protiviti
Protiviti is a global consulting firm that bridges the gap between quantum research and practical business application by preparing organizations to harness the power of quantum computing. Its technology and business consultants help businesses identify real-world examples of how they might use quantum computing and understand its value to the organization and recognize and mitigate potential risks.
PsiQuantum
Powered by breakthroughs in silicon photonics and fault-tolerant quantum architecture, PsiQuantum is building the first utility-scale quantum computer to solve some of the world’s most important challenges. PsiQuantum’s approach is based on photonic qubits, which have significant advantages at the scale required to deliver a fault-tolerant, general-purpose quantum computer. With quantum chips now being manufactured in a world-leading semiconductor fab, PsiQuantum is uniquely positioned to deliver quantum capabilities that will drive advances in climate, healthcare, finance, energy, agriculture, transportation, communications, and beyond.
qBraid
qBraid is the cloud platform for quantum software development. It provides the easiest and most streamlined access to not only quantum software but quantum hardware as well. It is a platform that allows software developers to learn, build and deploy quantum software applications. With proven usage at the world’s top hackathons at QuantX, MIT, Stanford x Yale, and NYUAD, qBraid’s users can easily get started on quantum computing and dive deep into complex algorithms related to financial optimization, quantum machine learning, and more – all in one platform. qBraid’s users and clients come from various industry sectors like aerospace, finance, pharmaceutical, and many more.
QuantCAD
QuantCAD will help you solve the problem of noise while your device is still in the design stage. Our CAD software, which is focused on the simulation of noise on a microscopic scale, provides quantitatively accurate calculations and simulations of nanoscale quantum-coherent phenomena for both optoelectronic devices and quantum sensors in real-world environments. Elevate your device performance - get the information you need without the noise.
Quantinuum
Quantinuum is the world’s largest integrated quantum computing company, formed by the combination of Honeywell Quantum Solutions’ world leading hardware and Cambridge Quantum’s class leading middleware and applications. Quantinuum accelerates quantum computing and the development of applications across chemistry, cybersecurity, finance, and optimization. Quantinuum’s focus is to create scalable and commercial quantum solutions to solve the world’s most pressing problems, in fields such as energy, logistics, climate change, and health.
Quantopticon
Quantopticon is a British-American software start-up developing an automated simulation platform for the design and optimization of quantum-photonic components, systems and devices. Quantopticon was founded in 2017 by Dr Gaby Slavcheva, a renowned international leader in the theory and modelling of light-matter interactions in quantum nanostructures, and Dr Mirella Koleva, an optics and photonics scientist and entrepreneur. The overarching goal at Quantopticon is to accelerate the design cycle of quantum-photonic devices, maximize their performance, and unlock the path to large-volume manufacturing.
Quantum Corridor
Quantum Corridor Inc. is a cutting-edge coherent optical network technology company that speeds business adoption of quantum computing, sensing, and communications discoveries, enabling a Midwest ecosystem of public and private partnerships, world-class companies, researchers and investors.
Quantum Design
Quantum Design manufactures automated characterization systems that allow research and exploration of new materials and devices. Quantum Design supports research and advanced teaching at the CQE, launching a new student laboratory for quantum measurements and the study of quantum materials.
Quantum Machines
Quantum Machines is the creator of a first-of-its-kind complete hardware and software solution for the control and operation of quantum computers. Its standardized platforms lay the groundwork for tackling some of the largest hurdles facing quantum computing, such as complex multi-qubit calibrations, quantum-error-correction, and scaling up to many hundreds of qubits.
Quantum Opus
Quantum Opus develops novel products and services to enable researchers to make single-photon measurements with unmatched sensitivity, speed and precision. Quantum Opus will support the CQE community through a student internship program and research exchange.
Qubitekk
Qubitekk develops and manufactures a variety of key components for quantum networks. Qubitekk provides entangled photon sources in its support for researchers across the CQE working on the Argonne quantum loop.
QuEra
QuEra Computing Inc. was established to build the world’s most powerful quantum computers to answer currently impossible problems. We build the full stack, co-developing hardware, software, and algorithms to enable the highest degree of achievable useful quantum advantage. Our hardware is based on patented research from Harvard and MIT, using highly scalable, programmable neutral atom arrays as an industry leading computational platform, with which we aim to tackle critical but classically intractable problems for commercial applications.
QNu, Inc.
QNu Inc is at the forefront of revolutionizing quantum security, pioneering the world’s first integrated quantum technology platform - QShield™. This platform aggregates NIST-compliant PQC algorithms, patented QRNG and QKD technology, along with versatile APIs into one cohesive system. QNu Inc aims to empower organizations to defend their sensitive data against the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.
Rigetti
Rigetti Computing is building the world’s most powerful computers to help solve humanity’s greatest problems. Rigetti leverages today’s existing high-power processors and the advanced computational power of quantum chips to accelerate deployment of quantum computing in the near term.
SandboxAQ
SandboxAQ is an enterprise B2B software as a service (SaaS) company, providing solutions at the nexus of artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum technology (AQ) to address some of the world's greatest challenges. The company's core team and inspiration formed at Alphabet Inc., emerging as an independent, growth capital-backed company in 2022. SandboxAQ is backed by T. Rowe Price, Eric Schmidt (chairman of SandboxAQ), Breyer Capital, Guggenheim Partners, Marc Benioff, Thomas Tull, Paladin Capital Group, and other leading investors.
Seagate
Seagate Technology is a leading innovator of mass-capacity data storage. We create breakthrough technology so you can confidently store your data and easily unlock its value. Founded over 45 years ago, Seagate has shipped over four billion terabytes of data capacity and offers a full portfolio of storage devices, systems, and services from edge to cloud.
Sivananthan Laboratories
Sivananthan Laboratories is a high-tech company focused on promoting economic growth in Illinois and the United States through fostering cutting-edge, fundamental research and development. Sivananthan Laboratories’ corporate model is the famous Bell Laboratories, whose many fundamental research contributions helped drive our nation’s leadership in technology and manufacturing. We cherish an ecosystem of scientific collaboration among academia, industry, and government while working with external partners to commercialize successful research.
TOPTICA Photonics
TOPTICA Photonics develops and manufactures high-end laser systems for scientific and industrial applications. The company collaborates with the CQE on research and education and outreach opportunities.
Toshiba
Toshiba Corporation, which is developing a global platform for quantum information technology, including Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), based on decades of scientific research on quantum physics. Chicago Quantum Exchange collaborations may leverage Toshiba science and engineering that enables long distance, secure quantum communications, including QKD technology that transmits keys and data on a single fiber.
WD Advanced Materials
WD Advanced Materials, LLC (WDAM) is a pioneering material science company and global market leader in Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) diamond synthesis and large scale manufacturing. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area, WDAM builds on its years of market leadership, developing next-generation diamond solutions for varied high-impact electronics applications, from emerging quantum technologies, to the semiconductor industry, and beyond. A trusted partner to leading defense contractors, academic institutions, and commercial entities worldwide, WDAM is also actively advancing the state-of-the-art as a performer under progressive DARPA, DOE, and other U.S. government programs.
Xanadu
Xanadu is a quantum computing company with the mission to build quantum computers that are useful and available to people everywhere. Founded in 2016, Xanadu has become one of the world's leading quantum hardware and software companies. The company also leads the development of PennyLane, an open-source software library for quantum computing and application development.
Zurich Instruments
Zurich Instruments develops advanced instrumentation, including quantum control systems that enable reliable control and measurement of superconducting qubits and silicon spin qubits. The company collaborates with the CQE on student opportunities and research.
Learn more about our Nonprofit Partners
Le Lab Quantique
Le Lab Quantique, a Paris-based nonprofit working to accelerate the emergence and development of the ecosystem that is necessary for quantum technologies. We are excited to work with Le Lab Quantique to create a broad quantum ecosystem– from Chicago to France.
P33
P33 catalyzes collaborations in the Chicago region’s tech ecosystem to facilitate economic growth and turn the city into an inclusive innovation leader. P33 aims to unlock the commercial potential of quantum information science from within the region by building and enhancing collaborations and translating quantum research into industry-led commercial viability.
QED-C
The Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C) aims to enable and grow the U.S. quantum industry. Established with support from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, QED-C has support from multiple agencies and stakeholders to identify gaps in quantum technology, standards, and workforce, and then works to address those gaps through collaboration.
Learn more about our International Partners
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay
The IIT Bombay in Mumbai, India, set up in 1958 as the second IIT, is recognized worldwide as a leader in the field of engineering education and research. The university leads a robust research and development thrust in quantum technology, including state-of-the-art nanofabrication and measurement facilities, and equally strong academic and outreach programs for quantum. IIT Bombay also represents the CQE's first international partner on the Asian continent, as the CQE continues to make more connections across the globe.
QuTech
QuTech, a partnership between the Delft University of Technology and the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research, brings together science and engineering to create scalable prototypes for quantum computing and the future quantum internet. QuTech is a pioneer in quantum effects in semiconductor and superconductor circuits and in translating fundamental scientific breakthrough into leading quantum technology developments.
Technion – Israel Institute of Technology
The Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, in Haifa, Israel, is a public research university with a long history of major contributions to quantum research. The Technion’s broad and in-depth involvement in the field of quantum physics has only grown through the years, and in 2018, the Technion established the Hellen Diller Quantum Center, which incorporates world-class laboratories in photonics, non-linear optics, quantum dots, superconducting qubits, and cold atoms—all systems that are key to advancing the field of quantum technology.
University of New South Wales
The Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology in the University of New South Wales hosts quantum physicists and engineers who are leading researchers in silicon-based quantum computing. UNSW researchers are focused on delivering full-scale quantum systems for quantum computing, communication, and information processing through material design and novel methods for entangling quantum information.
Weizmann Institute of Science
The Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel, is one of the world’s top-ranking multidisciplinary research institutions and offers masters’ and doctoral-level degrees across five faculties. Noted for its wide-ranging exploration of the natural and exact sciences, Institute scientists are advancing research on the human brain, artificial intelligence, computer science and encryption, astrophysics and particle physics, and they are tackling diseases such as cancer, and addressing climate change through environmental, ocean and plant sciences, and more.
Learn more about our Regional Partners
Ohio State University
Quantum efforts at the Ohio State University span research, education, and innovation in physics, computer science and engineering, and educational studies.