Quantum Innovation

Accelerators

• Quantum Startup Foundry (QSF) brings together the physical and virtual resources needed to support entrepreneurs, startups, and established businesses in accelerating quantum technologies’ time to market. QSF offers two types of programs:
  • The Pre-TraQtion program helps navigate the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs for specific topics related to quantum technologies.
  • TraQtion is a market accelerator program that leverages UMD quantum centers, the Mid-Atlantic Quantum Alliance (MQA) and other partnerships to connect companies with large government contractors for technology validation and potential customers looking for quantum and quantum-enabling technologies.

Centers

• Condensed Matter Theory Center (CMTC) was created in 2002 by the University of Maryland with the Distinguished University Professor Sankar Das Sarma as its permanent Director. The support for CMTC comes from UMD and the Laboratory for Physical Sciences (LPS). The purpose of CMTC is to maintain sustained research excellence in theoretical quantum condensed matter physics and quantum computing at UMD.
• Joint Center for Quantum Information and Computer Science (QuICS) is a partnership between the University of Maryland (UMD) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Located at UMD, the center advances research and education in quantum computer science and quantum information theory.
• LPS Qubit Collaboratory (LQC) is a national Quantum Information Science Research Center hosted at the National Security Agency’s Laboratory for Physical Sciences (LPS) at UMD. LQC advanced the development of qubits through an innovative model of collaboration between the government and a wide range of partners across the country.
• Quantum Materials Center (QMC) is focused on the fundamental exploration and development of advanced materials and devices using multi-disciplinary expertise drawn from physics, chemistry, engineering and materials science departments, placing strong emphasis on the pursuit of optimized and novel quantum phenomena with potential to nucleate future computing, information and energy technologies.
• Quantum Technology Center (QTC) - Together with its partners, QTC will exchange ideas and opportunities to Innovate, Translate, and Educate in quantum technology. The goal of the QTC Partners Program is to develop mutually beneficial relationships in the rapidly emerging field of quantum technology. QTC will have a global impact creating translational technologies to address some of society's toughest challenges. Areas of research include: Quantum Algorithms, Quantum Computing & Simulation, Quantum Communications & Networking, Quantum Materials, and Quantum Sensing.

Institutes

• Joint Quantum Institute (JQI) conducts curiosity-driven research that explores the most basic building blocks of nature with an eye toward potential applications in information science and technology.  
• With the support of the National Science Foundation, the NSF Quantum Leap Challenge Institute for Robust Quantum Simulation uses quantum simulation to gain insight into and take advantage of the rich behavior of complex quantum systems. Work at the Institute is organized into three major research challenges.

Facilities

• Chemistry Building
• IDEA Factory
  • 60,000 square feet
  • Unique lab spaces and labs
  • Privately funded to enable the Quantum Technology Center mission

Labs

National Quantum Laboratory at Maryland (QLab) is a user facility supporting the global community developing near-term, real-world quantum computing and networking applications and talent. In concert with other quantum initiatives at UMD, QLab provides a supporting infrastructure for an innovation ecosystem for quantum technologies and offers a supporting environment for thought leadership to come together for the exchange/sharing of ideas in the evolving space of quantum technologies. QLab provides unique research and teaching opportunities using innovative technologies in the field of quantum computing to serve the scientific user community at UMD and beyond. 

The QLab is a user facility that primarily focuses on providing three types of resources:

1. Expertise: Through the Fellows program and UMD's partnerships with leading quantum companies like IonQ, QLab provides users with access to the expertise needed to quickly explore and optimize potential solutions for target applications
2. System Access: The QLab currently provides privileged access to IonQ's quantum computing systems, including Harmony (AQ#9), Aria (AQ#25) and Forte (AQ#35). QLab will also soon provide connectivity into the Mid-Atlantic Quantum Internet (MARQI) to serve as a testbed for quantum networking applications.
3. Collaboration Space: The QLab features a large collaboration space inside IonQ headquarters that includes a conference room, kitchen, and flexible workspaces with large-RAM workstations to develop and test quantum algorithms.

QuICS Fellowships: The Joint Center for Quantum Information and Computer Science offers the Hartree and Lanczos fellowships to support exceptional postdoctoral researchers and graduate students, respectively, in all areas of research relevant to QuICS. 

In addition, QuICS hosts NRC Postdoctoral Fellows who are advised by QuICS Fellows employed by NIST, as well as numerous postdoctoral researchers and graduate students who are advised by QuICS Fellows.

MathQuantum Fellowships:  High school, undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral fellowships are a core element of our Research Training Group. Ideal candidates for our fellowships are:

• current Math students with little or no experience in quantum information science (QIS), who want to enter this exciting research area, and
• current students with moderate or high experience in QIS who want to advance their QIS work with stronger Math skills.

Our program aims to fill any skills and knowledge gaps to enable crossover research between mathematics and quantum information science.

• Discovery Fund is an early-stage investment fund aimed at fostering the growth of technology companies in Prince George's County, Maryland. With an annual budget of up to $1 million, the fund provides support to innovative startups in various fields such as quantum technologies, cybersecurity, data analytics, and biomedical devices. It offers both dilutive capital (like equity and convertible debt) and non-dilutive capital (grants). To be eligible, companies must be growth-focused startups located or willing to relocate to Prince George's County and demonstrate potential for market returns and regional economic benefits.

• UM Ventures College Park - Supports and promotes innovative solutions and emerging ventures by providing legal assistance, business expertise, technical know-how, and more.
  • Faculty Startup Program provides a general outline for designing a path to success specific to your needs.
  • Startup Fundamentals Workshops are online sessions where attendees learn about a variety of skills necessary for them to transform their research and technology into impactful solutions that can benefit society. These workshops provide attendees useful information, advice, training, and even access to funding opportunities.  These workshops provide attendees useful information, advice, training, and even access to funding opportunities. Most workshops are hosted virtually via Zoom and many (but not all) are recorded and are available on the StartupUMD YouTube Channel.
  • Startup Process Concierge - The UM Ventures College Park team's goal is to empower UMD faculty and graduate students to transform their research into successful startups by providing resources and customized guidance through rich entrepreneurship ecosystem at the University of Maryland and the State of Maryland.
• UMD Faculty & Graduate Startup Guide - If you have an invention or a great idea for a new venture, then use this interactive guide. Many startup journeys may not be as linear as the steps in this guide, so utilize these resources within the guide from different stages based on what is useful to you.
• UMD I-Corps - I-Corps provides real world training on how to incorporate innovations into commercially viable companies to solve societal problems. The curriculum is based on the Lean Startup framework, through which researchers can better understand the market potential of an innovation.

Do Quantum is a UMD researcher-run non-profit bridging the gap between quantum computing theory and practice. We empower students to become quantum researchers and help companies harness the power of quantum computing.

Undergraduate Quantum Association (UQA) is a research and career-oriented student organization which provides a space for students to engage with and learn more about quantum science! UQA helps to connect the campus community to the frontiers of quantum through various events.

Quantum physics governs everything that's very small or very cold, and it has a reputation for being extraordinarily difficult to understand. We want to change that.

With The Quantum Atlas, we aim to provide an approachable guide to quantum physics for non-experts—anyone looking for an explanation of a quantum concept they read about in an article or heard about on the radio. To that end, we've created images, animations, short podcasts and written explanations of the most fundamental quantum concepts, and we're planning to add more as The Atlas grows.

The Quantum Atlas is a place where anyone can learn about quantum physics. 

• New to quantum? Check out the Get Started page!
• Want to explore and learn more about quantum? Then click below on some quantum-related entries. Click here to see all of the quantum-related entries.
  • Quantum vs. Classical
  • Quantum Computing
  • Quantum Entanglement
  • Quantum Superposition
  • Quantum Teleportation
  • Qubits
  • Polarization
  • Photons
  • Superconductors
  • Uncertainty Principle

The Quantum Atlas is supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation's Advancing Informal STEM Learning program (Award #1713387). It is also supported by the Joint Quantum Institute, a research partnership between the University of Maryland and the National Institute of Standards and Technology with the support and participation of the Laboratory for Physical Sciences, and the Illinois Quantum Information Science and Technology Center. Questions or comments? Please email us at quantumatlas@umd.edu

Mid-Atlantic Quantum Alliance was formally launched in January 2020 to accelerate moving quantum science and engineering to use and further enhance the region’s primacy in a field that promises to revolutionize society. This alliance brings together world-leading quantum expertise from academia, industry, government agencies, laboratories and research centers with a presence in the region. The MQA serves as an inclusive forum, facilitated by the University of Maryland, for its members to engage and collaborate with each other on education, global thought leadership and building a vibrant and diverse ecosystem to support quantum innovation.

Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C) is a consortium of stakeholders that aims to enable and grow the quantum industry. QED-C was established with support from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as part of the Federal strategy for advancing quantum information science and as called for by the National Quantum Initiative Act enacted in 2018.

Executive Education 101 Bootcamp: Focus o Qunatum Computing - Are you curious about the impact of quantum computing on your industry and implications for your organization? Quantum-science based advancements, specifically quantum computing has captured attention as a buzzword, but its impact goes beyond just hype. Join us for an immersive workshop where we delve into the fascinating world of quantum computing and equip you to prepare your organization for the future.

George Mason Quantum Internship Program is designed to provide high school students the opportunity to learn about quantum and to gain work experience. Participants will work with quantum practitioners for 6 – 8 weeks on projects that range from education and teaching-related experiences to business and marketing to research. 

MITRE Internships & Co-ops - Whether you're an intern pursuing a summer work experience or a cooperative education student pursuing work related to your major or career goal, you'll work side by side with senior staff on crucial sponsor programs. Since intern and co-op assignments can lead to full-time positions following graduation, MITRE will give you the chance to prove what you can do. Each summer, in addition to a meaningful work experience, our 500+ new and returning interns have the opportunity to build new skills by participating in our premier Learning Track Program. Students will also attend technical talks, network with each other, participate in mentorship programs with MITRE staff, and make connections that last.

Pathways to Quantum - In partnership with area K-12 public school systems, Connected DMV’s Potomac Quantum Innovation Center (PQIC) and George Mason’s Quantum Science and Engineering Center (QSEC) are excited to invite rising high school seniors to participate in the Pathways to Quantum Summer Immersion Program. Join peers from around the Greater Washington region for a three-week long hybrid program that includes a week-long job shadowing opportunity where you will learn about quantum and STEM-related careers with leading research universities and industry leading organizations. ​ We will be selecting rising high school seniors from across the DMV to participate.

Quantum Marketplace - Check out available listings of employment opportunities at QED-C members companies. Members include corporations, academic institutions, national laboratories and government agencies working in quantum.

Potomac Quantum Innovation Center (PQIC) - Greater Washington—with its rich foundation of talent, resources, assets, and stakeholders—is poised to lead our nation and the world into the quantum era. However, the region lacks a mechanism to bring these scattered efforts together to accelerate quantum ecosystem formation. By integrating these efforts, Connected DMV has set out on an ambitious path to make the region the premier hub for the next generation of quantum leadership, innovation, and economic development across quantum computing, sensing, communications, and materials.

UMBC Quantum Science Institute is an interdisciplinary institute comprised of faculty and students from 4 different academic departments at UMBC: Computer Science & Electrical Engineering, Information Systems, Mathematics & Statistics, and Physics.

Quantum World Congress is the world’s premier gathering for quantum technology leaders, innovators, and visionaries. With keynote speakers, interactive sessions, and cutting-edge exhibits, Quantum World Congress fosters collaboration and accelerates the development of the global quantum ecosystem. This annual event highlights the pivotal role of quantum technology in shaping the future, building on Greater Washington’s leadership as a hub for innovation.

Build Our Future Grant Pilot Program and Fund (Fund) is a financing resource operated by the Maryland Department of Commerce (Commerce), to provide grants for innovation infrastructure projects intended to support innovation in an eligible technology sector. 

Maryland Department of Commerce - Accessing capital and securing financing are essential to start or grow a business—driving innovation and creating jobs are the benefits. Programs include venture capital investments and tax credits, direct loans, grants and loan guarantees. These programs work together to attract new companies to the state, encourage expansions and job creation, and revitalize our economy.  

Maryland Global Gateway Soft Landing Program provides international
companies with the opportunity to test out the U.S. market at an affordable rate. Soft Landing program partners provide participating companies with access to facilities, resources, advisors, and more. Eligible companies can also receive funding for physical, programmatic, and other costs associated with market entry. 

Maryland Innovation Investment Tax Credit (IITC) - IITC fosters the growth of Maryland's technology sectors by incentivizing investment in early-stage companies with the goal of increasing the number of companies developing innovative technologies in Maryland, increasing overall investments in current and emerging technology sectors, and increasing the number of individual investors actively investing in Maryland technology companies.

TEDCO’s evergreen Venture Funds are dedicated to funding and growing the next generation of outstanding early-stage businesses in Maryland. We are an experienced team with significant operating and venture experience whose focus is on making the entrepreneurs successful.

THE GLOBAL INDUSTRY CHALLENGE IS A PLATFORM FOR INNOVATORS, ENTREPRENEURS, AND INDUSTRY LEADERS TO ENGAGE IN COLLABORATIVE ACTION TO SOLVE PRACTICAL USE CASES USING QUANTUM AND QUANTUM ADJACENCIES SUCH AS AI.

Be part of a journey to create impactful solutions. This Challenge integrates industry leaders, investment partners, and quantum ecosystems around the world to help scale discovery and enable new solutions that accelerate the commercialization of quantum computing. 

Working within the International Year of Quantum framework, the Challenge will help amplify quantum awareness and increase talent pipelines over the course of the program. 

The Challenge will help accelerate the practical implementation of quantum technologies. Discover how quantum computing is being applied to solve real-world problems in various industries such as consumer products, energy, financial services, life sciences, and space.

Prize Postdoctoral Fellowships - The Centre for Quantum Information and Quantum Control (CQIQC) invites applications for its Prize Postdoctoral Fellowship. The program provides funding for the very best postdoctoral applicants, both nationally and internationally, who will contribute to University of Toronto’s program in quantum science and technology.

• Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are highly competitive programs that encourage domestic small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) with the potential for commercialization. Through a competitive awards-based program, SBIR and STTR enable small businesses to explore their technological potential and provide the incentive to profit from its commercialization. 

The Quantum Industry Coalition (QIC) is the voice of the US quantum industry. QIC is dedicated to maintaining US leadership in the development of quantum technologies. Members range from start-ups to Fortune 100 companies addressing a variety of aspects of quantum technology,