According to the University of Virginia (UVA), the quantum computing market is projected to reach $65 billion by 2030 because of its potential to solve complex problems. Although mainstream use of quantum computing is still in the distant future, a research group at UVA has opened a path toward quantum computing as scientists model ways in which atoms might array themselves, while they solve dynamic data problems.

During Cyber Security Awareness Month in October 2021, Nadia Carlsten, head of products at the AWS Center for Quantum Computing, wrote a blog post announcing the opening of the AWS Center for Quantum Computing.

According to Carlsten, the center includes everything to push the boundaries of quantum R&D, from making, testing, and operating quantum processors, to innovating the processes for controlling quantum computers and scaling the technologies needed to support bigger quantum devices, like cryogenic cooling systems and wiring.

Just as important is the new office space to house quantum research teams, and laboratories comprising the scientific equipment and specialized tools for designing and running quantum devices. Hardware engineers, quantum theorists, and software developers work to tackle the many challenges of building better quantum computers.

The center is also located on The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) campus, which enables AWS to interact with students and faculty from research groups in physics and engineering.

Carlsten said they chose to partner with Caltech because of the university’s rich history of contributions to computing. Through this partnership, they are also supporting the next generation of quantum scientists, by providing scholarships and training opportunities for students and young faculty members.

"But our connections to the research community don’t end here," she added. "Our relationships with a diverse group of researchers help us stay at the cutting edge of quantum information sciences research. For example, several experts in quantum-related fields are contributing to our efforts as Amazon Scholars and Amazon Visiting Academics.

Earlier in February 2021, Kayla Lee, a product manager for community partnerships, IBM Quantum; and Benita Zazueta, IBM Quantum Academic Partnership Lead, IBM Quantum, wrote a blog post about how the IBM-HBCU Quantum Center was growing rapidly in size and scope.

"We are proud to report that this initiative in the quantum computing field is off to a fast start, as HBCUs [historically Black colleges and universities), students, and faculty begin to explore the Center’s vast potential," they wrote.

In less than six months, a total of 23 HBCUs created a community of students and faculty, including an undergraduate research program where students are exploring quantum computation, and have contributed to a preprint that investigates the use of machine learning and quantum computing to better understand unknown quantum systems.

IBM’s goals are to build a sustainable quantum research and education program by increasing the number of minority students educated in Quantum Information Science and Engineering (QISE), strengthening the research efforts of faculty at HBCUs in QISE, and providing opportunities for scholarship, fellowships, and internships for HBCU undergraduate and graduate students.

The IBM-HBCU Quantum Center’s mission is to educate, foster collaboration on joint research, and create a more diverse quantum-ready workforce for everything from physics and chemistry to computer science and business. The center’s members collaborate across their respective institutions and are building regional interactions to strengthen both faculty and student engagement.