Q-NEXT brings together the world’s leading minds from the national laboratories, universities and technology companies to solve cutting-edge challenges in quantum information science. Led by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory, Q-NEXT focuses on how to reliably control, store and transmit quantum information at distances that could be as small as the width of a computer chip or as large as the distance between Chicago and San Francisco. Advances in quantum information science have the potential to revolutionize how we process and share information, with profound impacts such as advanced medical imaging, the creation of novel materials and ultrasecure communication networks. Through its partnerships, Q-NEXT is creating an innovation ecosystem that enables the translation of discovery science into technologies for science and society.
We bring together national experts and facilities to solve cutting-edge challenges in quantum information science
Innovative research
Q-NEXT focuses on quantum communication to distribute information robustly over long distances; quantum sensors, enabling ultraprecise measurements; quantum materials for building groundbreaking technologies; and quantum simulators to support the development of quantum computers.
A vibrant quantum ecosystem
National labs, universities and technology companies are partners in Q-NEXT. These organizations bring together world-leading experts in multiple areas of research, top-tier facilities, and cutting-edge projects and collaborations to advance the state of the art in quantum information science and technology.
Quantum foundries
The Q-NEXT team is building two national quantum foundries, one at Argonne and the other at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. These foundries will serve as a quantum factory, producing a robust supply chain of high-quality, standardized materials and devices that will support quantum-enabled applications.
The next-generation workforce
Q-NEXT is working to develop our nation’s future quantum workforce through innovative cooperative training programs with industry, quantum-focused institutional degree programs at the center’s university partners, and re-training certificate programs to build foundational skills for quantum careers.
Q-NEXT by the numbers
3 national labs
11 universities
14 leading technology companies
100 researchers
2 quantum foundries
9 states
Areas advanced by Q-NEXT R&D
Telecommunications
Energy
Financial services
Materials and chemicals
Pharmaceuticals
Transportation and logistics
Featured news
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Making the atomic universe visible
Pennsylvania State University's Nitin Samarth is helping grow the capabilities of the Argonne Quantum Foundry. He’s also building a library of atom-scale materials for quantum technologies — and he’s sharing it with everyone. Read More
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X-ray imagery of vibrating diamond opens avenues for quantum sensing
Scientists map atomic vibrations in diamond, linking them with the behavior of the quantum system embedded within. The work advances quantum sensors, which will be significantly more precise than today’s detection tools. Read More
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New method could yield fast, cross-country quantum network
Scientists have struggled to come up with practical methods of building networks that can connect quantum computers. Now, researchers at the University of Chicago have proposed a new approach — building long quantum channels using vacuum sealed tubes with an array of spaced-out lenses. These… Read More
In the news
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Building the quantum economy - Chicago style
From HPCWire: HPCwire talks with Q-NEXT Director David Awschalom about the evolution of the quantum information technology market, the prospects for quantum computing sensing and communication, the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, current messaging on a quantum future, quantum startups, and the quantum workforce. Read More
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So you want to build a quantum computer?
From Nextgov/FCW: For all the hype, funding and policy around quantum computing, there is still a lot of basic scientific research to be done to bring a quantum information system to life. Leading researchers at Argonne National Laboratory and Q-NEXT spoke with Nextgov/FCW about the… Read More
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Giulia Galli wins Joseph O. Hirschfelder Prize in Theoretical Chemistry
From the University of Chicago Giulia Galli has been named the 2024-2025 Joseph O. Hirschfelder Awardee. The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Theoretical Chemistry Institute awards the yearly prize for exceptional work in the field of theoretical chemistry. Four Nobel Prize recipients are among the Hirschfelder Prize… Read More