Quantum Computing
Quantum computing is a new frontier of faster, more efficient machines that are able to solve complex problems that today’s computers cannot. Breakthroughs in this technology provide an incredible opportunity for advances in research and breakthroughs in several critical industries including medicine, communications, cybersecurity, biomedical engineering, and clean energy.
In the last year, the Innovation Institute made major investments in quantum facilities at colleges and universities. In April 2022, the organization awarded $1 million to support quantum R&D facilities at UMass Boston and Western New England University (WNEU), located in Springfield. In September 2022, granted $3.5 million for an R&D facility at Northeastern University. Leading up to the 2023 Quantum Massachusetts Conference, the Innovation Institute produced a Quantum Computing Ecosystem Study, in partnership with The Quantum Insider, to analyze the quantum ecosystem in Massachusetts.
The study took a holistic look at the entire ecosystem including start-ups, companies, research organizations, and other entities dedicated to advancing quantum technologies. A few key data points emerged:
- Massachusetts is recognized as a “global hub” for quantum, with opportunities for companies, academic groups, and research centers, such as MIT Lincoln Labs and Amazon Web Services Center for Quantum Networking.
- The scale of the quantum computing ecosystem is comparable to not only other states, but countries in terms of diversity and research focus.
- 49 companies, including start-ups, small to medium-sized businesses, and large enterprises are focusing primarily on quantum computing across the state.
- 131 research groups across 14 research universities are investigating quantum technologies in a diverse range of focus areas. These are not specific to computing, but also quantum sensing, quantum matter, and quantum photonics, which all may have an effect on quantum technology generally.
In the era of big data and emerging artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, the abilities of quantum computing to make breakthroughs are significant. Leading voices across the industry are pointing to the significant advantages that Massachusetts has, both in terms of infrastructure and research talent.
To learn more about Quantum Computing in Massachusetts, download the full STUDY HERE (PDF).