Atom Computing, ColdQuanta, more join CU Boulder CUbit Quantum Initiative
The University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder), which already has been playing an important role in quantum research, announced Thursday that three companies–Atom Computing, ColdQuanta, and Meadowlark Optics–and one industry group–SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics–have joined the university’s CUbit Quantum Initiative as CUbit Innovation Partners.
With these partnerships, the initiative, founded by CU Boulder 2019, is fulfilling its plan to cultivate mutually beneficial collaborations with companies in the quantum sector to help expand and accelerate he school’s quantum efforts, including “through providing unique insights related to research and training, collaborating on workforce development programs, and providing real-world opportunities for CU Boulder students, postdocs and researchers,” according to a statement.
It’s still early enough in the evolution of quantum computing that university research is playing a huge role in the advancements young companies are able to make. Quantum companies like Atom and ColdQuanta also probably see an opportunity to create pipelines of talent for their companies at a time when the sector faces a shortage of skilled workers. In addition, the initiative and its alignment with private sector players is exactly what the U.S. federal government is hoping to see as it aims to ensure the nation’s prominence in the quantum sector at a global level.
“We’re tremendously excited to welcome the first CUbit Innovation Partners as we launch our corporate partnership program,” added Philip Makotyn, executive director of the CUbit Quantum Initiative. “Building on existing close relationships, the program is an important step bringing together academics, national labs and industry to build a strong quantum ecosystem. The new members represent an important step supporting the national priority of quantum technologies.”
Atom Computing was founded by Ben Bloom, PhD in Physics from CU Boulder, while ColdQuanta was founded by Dana Z. Anderson, professor at CU Boulder.
In an Atom Computing blog post on CU Boulder’s announcement, CEO Rob Hays stated, “Building a strong ecosystem focused on accelerating quantum computing requires an engaged ecosystem of users, software partners, research labs, and talent who can add value up and down the computing stack. That’s why we’ve teamed up with the University of Colorado Boulder’s CUbit Quantum Initiative: to drive R&D and talent development while supporting the ascendance of Colorado as Center of Excellence for Quantum Information Science in the U.S. and globally.”
“ColdQuanta is proud to support CU Boulder’s continuing innovation in quantum,” said Scott Faris, ColdQuanta CEO. “The quantum industry is moving at lightning speed, and we believe investing in CU Boulder is critical to advancing quantum information science and technology. Its world-renowned researchers and interdisciplinary educational approach are enabling the next generation of quantum professionals.”
