Keaton PetersThe National Science Foundation (NSF) has launched a $5 million initiative to accelerate the development of quantum technologies, funding five innovative pilot projects under the new National Quantum Virtual Laboratory (NQVL) program. Each project will receive $1 million for a one-year period as part of a broader effort to maintain U.S. leadership at the forefront of quantum science and technology.
“The NSF National Quantum Virtual Laboratory represents a new approach NSF is taking to facilitate the complex and multistep process of translating new scientific ideas into fully developed technologies that benefit society,” said Denise Caldwell, the acting NSF assistant director for mathematical and physical sciences, in a press release.
Quantum technology, which harnesses the unique properties of miniscule subatomic particles, has the potential to revolutionize fields from computing and communication to sensing and imaging tools. However, the path from lab breakthroughs to practical applications remains challenging. The NQVL program seeks to bridge this gap by creating a national infrastructure for quantum research and development, accessible to scientists and engineers across the country.
The $5 million investment comes from NSF’s research and related activities fund, with additional support from the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research. These pilot projects are just the beginning; five more projects are expected to be announced later this year, and successful teams will be invited to compete for larger awards to further develop quantum technology.
One of the funded projects, led by the Research Foundation for the State University of New York, is developing a 10-node quantum network across various research institutions. This network will connect quantum computers at Stony Brook University, Columbia University, Yale University and Brookhaven National Laboratory. The goal is to demonstrate quantum advantage in secure communication and distributed quantum processing.
Another project led by Duke University is working on a 256-qubit ion trap quantum computing system controllable over the internet. This system could run a wide range of quantum simulations and computations, potentially accelerating research in fields from battery design to drug discovery.
The University of New Mexico is taking a different approach with its project, focusing on developing a blueprint for a room-temperature quantum computer using photonic components. If successful, this could make quantum computing more accessible and practical for everyday use. Typically, quantum computers only operate at very low temperatures requiring specialized facilities to maintain.
Looking ahead, these pilot projects will undergo review processes to determine their progress and potential for further development. The NSF has set a target date of April 1, 2025, for the next round of full proposals for the next phase of funding.
Erwin Gianchandani, NSF assistant director for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships, highlighted the potential for the program to have broad-reaching impacts in the technology field and the U.S. economy.
“U.S. competitiveness hinges on accelerating the translation of technological innovations into the market and society, as well as training the American workforce for the jobs of tomorrow,” Gianchandani said in a press release. “Through NQVL, NSF will invest in resources that will allow for research and experimentation of novel quantum technologies, opening new opportunities across a range of disciplines.”
Photo by Caspar Camille Rubin on Unsplash
