Why Quantum, Why Now

A NEW ERA OF QUANTUM SCIENCE

Quantum science has already catalyzed breakthroughs that touch every aspect of our daily lives, paving the way for remarkable innovations with profound implications for society. And a new wave of discoveries is on the horizon. We have a rare window of opportunity to lead the New England region in this emerging field. Connecticut has the nation’s highest concentrations of early adopters of quantum technologies. The state’s industrial base — spanning top companies in life sciences, advanced manufacturing, aerospace and defense, insurance, and financial services — is unmatched, giving the state an unparalleled advantage in leveraging quantum innovation for economic growth.

Connecticut has been at the forefront of quantum innovation for over 20 years.

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. For instance, the “atomic clocks” that are critical for GPS exploit the quantum properties of atoms, and MRI machines manipulate the quantum properties of atoms in our bodies.

FURTHER PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS 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.