Quantum Speaker Series: The Center for Quantum Technologies (CQT): An Industry-Academia Partnership for Advancing Quantum Frontiers

The Center for Quantum Technologies (CQT) is an NSF-funded Industry-University Cooperative Research Center (IUCRC) and a partnership between Purdue University, Indiana University, and the University of Notre Dame, and also several industry and government members. The mission of the CQT is to collaborate with industry and government stakeholders to identify compelling needs and challenges in quantum technologies, and then develop novel solutions to address these opportunities. Quantum technologies are governed by the physics of sub-atomic particles and have relevance to computing, sensing, imaging, metrology, communications, and cryptography. Because of their wide-ranging applicability, quantum technologies promise to be transformative, with uses in intelligence, financial security, computing, medicine, and navigation. Society has entered the second quantum revolution, but it is still in its infancy, and the nascent quantum industry requires significant fundamental research to mature novel technologies. In partnership with industrial and government members, the CQT researchers will use their expertise in quantum science and engineering to develop and transfer foundational knowledge into industry-friendly quantum devices, systems, and algorithms with enhanced functionality and performance. Additionally, the CQT will help train the next generation of quantum scientists and engineers to support the development of a critically needed quantum workforce. Students not only conduct research, but also help writing project reports, present at biannual meetings, and interact with industry and government members. This talk will give an overview of the IUCRC model along with the CQT mission, vision and research themes.