IonQ, a leader in quantum computing, has teamed up with the University of Chicago. Together, they will establish the IonQ Center for Engineering and Science on campus. This partnership will involve installing a production-grade quantum computer. It will also set up a quantum network for sharing entanglement at the university.
This partnership marks the first instance of a production-grade quantum computer and quantum network being embedded within a university campus environment.
IonQ will install next-generation quantum systems at the University of Chicago. Researchers from different fields will have wide access to IonQ’s hardware and software.
The initiative encompasses a major research programme aimed at accelerating quantum technology development spanning quantum computing, networking, sensing, and security. It aligns directly to strengthen IonQ’s technology roadmap and enhance its commercial position across enterprise and government markets.
“We’re combining our commercial-grade quantum computers with some of the world’s leading academic talent to generate innovations with valuable real-world applications. That research will directly benefit IonQ’s product roadmap and strengthen our competitive advantage in enterprise and government markets,” remarked Niccolo de Masi, Chairman and CEO of IonQ.
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Paul Alivisatos, President of the University of Chicago, added: “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 Chicago quantum technology ecosystem.”
IonQ will help build the new IonQ Center for Engineering and Science at the University of Chicago. This facility will house the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering. It will also support other research units that focus on advanced science and technology.
Additionally, IonQ is set to become a core partner of the Chicago Quantum Exchange (CQE), a multi-institutional consortium including national laboratories such as Argonne National Laboratory and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, as well as universities including the University of Illinois, Northwestern University, and Purdue University. This positions the centre as a pivotal hub for academic, government and commercial collaboration.
Research activities will focus on quantum hardware (computing, networking, sensing, security) as well as quantum applications in chemistry, materials science, optimization, communication protocols and advanced security all of which align with IonQ’s commercial agenda.
This agreement builds on IonQ’s established history of academic partnerships, including collaborations with the University of Maryland, the University of Washington and Duke University.