Why Quantum, Why Now

A New Era of Quantum Science

History taught us that fundamental research leads to technology, but often, long after the discovery—and in ways not expected by researchers. For instance, in 1917, Einstein worked on stimulated emission of radiation, which led to the invention of laser in 1958, which then led to the creation of audio compact disks in 1979.

Today, thanks to research breakthroughs from University of Connecticut, Yale University and Connecticut State Colleges & Universities, a new era of quantum science is poised to revolutionize daily life. Quantum science has emerged as a new frontier of fundamental knowledge about how the universe works.

Connecticut is leveraging its strong foundation in research, innovation and intellectual capital to position itself as a leader in the field.

The Economy of the Future is Built on Quantum Technologies

Connecticut is well positioned to become a leader in the field, applying advanced research to industries that can support and benefit from advancement. Drawing on applied and fundamental research excellence conducted at UConn and Yale, we have the intellectual infrastructure in place and a plan to move the state into a new world of discovery.

  • Developing joint research agenda that advances product innovation.
  • Building on Connecticut’s success in workforce development to make the workforce quantum-ready.
  • Providing technical assistance to SMEs.
  • Establishing a testbed, incubator, and accelerator for quantum, AI, and deeptech.
  • Ensuring that the quantum economy is inclusive and equitable.

QuantumCT’s
efforts in technology development:

  • New materials and manufacturing methods for fabricating quantum devices
  • Advancements in data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence
  • Computational biology, genetics, and genomics
  • Pharmaceutical sciences and drug discovery
  • Big data optimization, simulation, and processing
  • Hardware and software infrastructure, including the quantum-enabling technologies (e.g., cryogenics, lasers, qubits control electronics, and ultra-high vacuum systems)
  • Quantum computing, algorithms, sensing, and cryptography

Connecticut is Ready for a Quantum Economy

Connecticut has been at the forefront of quantum innovation for 20 years, with teams at Yale University working on a new type of computer that could outperform anything currently in use. Robert Schoelkopf, Michel Devoret, and Steven Girvin helped shape the way scientists worldwide approach the emerging field of quantum computing.

2004

Invention of the field of Circuit Quantum ElectroDynamics, the leading architecture for superconducting quantum computation. 

2007

Invention of the "Transmon" qubit, one of the most widely used qubit since its creation in many scalable quantum information processing architectures using superconducting circuits.

2009

World’s first demonstration of two-qubit algorithms ran on a superconducting quantum processor.

2010

Invention of Josephson parametric amplifiers, an enabling technology for superconducting qubit measurement.

2016

First Break-even Quantum Error Correction, a critical step towards computation with logical qubits.

2023

Real-time Quantum Error Correction, preserving quantum information for 2.7 times longer than previously possible.

Marking the Next Quantum Revolution

Quantum technologies that exploit principles of quantum physics are already in wide use today – the “atomic clocks” that are critical for GPS exploit the quantum properties of atoms, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines manipulate the quantum properties of atoms in our bodies.

Further practical applications of quantum science are on the horizon: 

GPS could become much more precise and less vulnerable to disruption with land, sea and air applications. 

Your Fitbit uses an accelerometer to measure your steps. Sub-marines also use accelerometers for underwater navigation; quantum-based accelerometers would be much more accurate.

Quantum electromagnetic sensors can detect very small magnetic fields for use in detecting underground and under the ocean. 

Quantum-enabled sensors could be much more precise in detecting faults during manufacturing, including chip manufacturing. 

The prospect of practical working quantum computers demands that we rethink data encryption to ensure that it will withstand quantum decryption.

Quantum simulation could help reduce emissions of pollutants and accelerate improvements in materials science and advanced manufacturing technologies required at a great scale, such as solar panels or batteries. 

Quantum computing could significantly augment our capacity to develop more efficient discovery of pharmaceutical therapeutics for the most challenging diseases and conditions.