Quantum science has shifted our understanding of the fundamental nature of reality, leading to groundbreaking technologies with potential applications in computing, energy, and many other industries. This panel of leaders discussed the transformative journey of quantum science from theoretical research to practical applications, illuminating the groundbreaking innovations poised to reshape society, and the economies of Indiana and Illinois.
President & CEO of One Region, Inc. and Chief Engagement Officer of Purdue University Northwest Matt Wells set the stage by highlighting the profound significance of quantum science. With the power to both reshape our understanding of the universe at the smallest of scales and transform fundamentally the way we build and use computers, quantum science will touch the life of every person in the United States. Harnessing this incredible potential is a national imperative for the coming decades.
IBM Fellow and Vice President of IBM Quantum Jay Gambetta framed Quantum Computing as revolutionary, saying, “I often think of it as... the first time in the history of computing that it's branched.” This branching opens access to powerful new mathematical principles previous computer architectures could not support, drastically reducing computation times for certain types of complex problems. These potential applications have already moved beyond the theoretical; Dr. Gambetta noted that practical applications like material simulation and database searching are already attracting commercial interest. The marriage of quantum and classical computing and other novel computing technologies like AI are also converging and accelerating discovery and innovation, taking computing in fascinating new directions.
Professor & Director of the Illinois Quantum Information Science & Technology Center (IQUIST) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Brian DeMarco took the opportunity to discuss the ambitious Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, a $500 million initiative on Chicago's South Side aimed at creating a thriving quantum ecosystem in an area disproportionately in need of economic development. “The whole reason this Park is going to work and succeed is because it's a whole of Illinois effort,” he said, emphasizing the collaboration among research universities, national laboratories, and state initiatives that made the Park viable. He envisioned the park as an incubator for emergent quantum technologies, highlighting a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency(DARPA) program aimed at demonstrating pathways to utility-scale quantum computing. This initiative and others like it are vital for developing sustainable quantum technologies that are economically viable.
“Part of the reason I think we are so well positioned to be the Quantum Valley is all the people in the institutions we have. We have these great research universities in Indiana and Illinois, two national labs; all of which are guided by the vision of visionaries.”
Dr. Brian DeMarco
Professor & Director, Illinois Quantum Information Science & Technology Center (IQUIST), University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Dr. Demarco noted, however, that the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park has competition, both domestically and abroad. With the potential rewards of quantum science investment so high, Illinois is not alone in wanting to lead the nascent industry. yet, he remained confident that the Illinois effort would succeed, thanks to the collaborative ecosystem, investment from forward-thinking leaders like Governor Pritzker, and the efforts of organizations like the Chicago Quantum Exchange, stating,” I think we have something really special here.”
Director of the Purdue Quantum Science and Engineering Institute, Karl Lark-Horovitz Professor of Physics and Astronomy, and Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Purdue University Yong Chen brought attention to the way that collaboration has also been a key factor in Purdue’s quantum science efforts. Partnerships with institutions like Oak Ridge National Lab and Fermilab, like Quantum Science Center, are pivotal for the development of basic quantum science nationwide. Looking more regionally, Dr. Chen also praised the success of efforts like the Midwest Quantum Collaboratory, a consortium between Purdue, the University of Michigan, and Michigan State, in building tightly knit ecosystems capable of producing research and innovations at a stunning scale.
“I think we are partnering broadly, widely, and strategically. We believe in constructive interference so we can do more, and we are looking forward to working with many colleagues here to continue those partnership.”
Dr. Yong Chen
Director, Purdue Quantum Science and Engineering Institute; Karl Lark-Horovitz Professor of Physics and Astronomy; Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Purdue University
Dr. Gambetta noted IBM's longstanding commitment to building quantum computers openly and with the collaboration of partners worldwide. IBM has successfully placed quantum computers on the cloud, granting any researcher with an internet connection unprecedented access to this cutting-edge technology. This initiative has already borne fruit, with over three trillion circuit executions and countless academic papers generated. Reflecting on the ethos of open collaboration for a stronger technological ecosystem, he stressed, “If we’re going to build a technology, we’re not going to build it in isolation.” Partnerships with institutions like the University of Chicago, with an ambitious goal of engaging 40,000 students with quantum machines over the next decade, will both generate new ideas for quantum usage and encourage the next generation of quantum engineers to step into the field, something that would be impossible in a more siloed industry.
“For me to build a technology and to make it useful, it cannot happen without partnerships. As we go forward, we are partnering with many different institutes.”
Dr. Jay M. Gambetta
IBM Fellow & Vice President, IBM Quantum, IBM
Dr. DeMarco also reaffirmed the importance of the Indiana-Illinois quantum corridor as a pillar of the region’s quantum innovation competitiveness. He noted, “To get a large-scale quantum computer may require networking many computers,” implying that collaboration across institutions was not just an advantage but an imperative in the success of any large-scale quantum venture.
Department of Energy Rima Oueid stressed the necessity for creativity and a willingness to challenge existing paradigms, asserting, “We have to be willing to almost commit heresy in science and technology.” The fundamentally new and different capabilities offered by quantum science mean that preexisting notions of what is or is not possible or practical no longer apply. The inquiry that might have seemed ridiculous or impractical yesterday might lead to a revolutionary breakthrough tomorrow.
“We are reaching a point where we need a positive feedback loop, where we are both commercializing technology while also doing the fundamental science. Today, this is an imperative. There is no handoff. It is a virtuous cycle.”
Ms. Rima Oueid
Senior Commercialization Executive, Office of Technology Transitions, U.S. Department of Energy
Ms. Oueid identified the energy sector as a prime candidate to benefit from quantum computing, enhancing grid management through optimization and contingency analysis. Novel approaches to grid balancing, like using plugged-in electric vehicles as a reservoir of power, may be beyond the limits of traditional computing, leaving quantum computing as the only means of pursuing these new strategies.
Asked about education requirements for emerging occupations, Dr. DeMarco highlighted the importance of nurturing a broad talent pool, asserting that accessibility to quantum education must be prioritized. “We need to make it accessible, bringing quantum computing to more people at a younger age,” he insisted, citing initiatives like a quantum-focused degree at the University of Chicago aimed at attracting diverse talent.
Dr. Chen echoed these sentiments, showcasing Purdue’s leadership in quantum technology through collaborative research centers, which connect academia with industry needs to better match education to the needs of employers. “Quantum education is not just about PhDs”—talent is needed at every level to support a full quantum ecosystem. Ms. Oueid agreed, noting, “Companies are telling me they need technicians. They need people that can weld.”
While the creation of quantum-focused programs was a positive step, Dr. Chen reminded participants that universities also had a responsibility to attract people to those programs. For many students, STEM subjects are particularly intimidating courses of study. Universities must do a better job of encouraging STEM career paths without sacrificing the rigor of the education students receive. Simple efforts, like the Quantum Game Club at Purdue could make a world of difference in the uptake of STEM subjects among students. Ms. Oueid echoed this sentiment as the parent of a child who struggled with math; the negative disposition many students have towards STEM needs to change. “It is about understanding patterns. It is about identifying order amid chaos,” she said.
As quantum technology develops, its geopolitical implications continue to grow. Given the dynamic nature of the field, the United States must remain on the cutting edge to attract and retain the best quantum talent. He cautioned against overly restrictive policies on critical technologies like quantum that could hamper innovation in the name of security, asserting, “We cannot close everything.” Dr. Gambetta agreed, underscoring the critical role of government in developing technologies with national defense implications and the need for a collaborative triad across industry, academia, and government to support both research security and industry best practices.
Mr. Wells asked each panelist to provide their best estimate regarding the timeline for scalable commercial applications of quantum computing. For Dr. Gambetta, advancements in hardware were not the primary concern; instead, the real challenge lies in developing the necessary algorithms. He predicted that by 2029, quantum computing’s error correction capabilities would be operational, and by 2033, quantum machines could perform a billion operations. He stressed the need for more computer scientists to engage in quantum algorithm research, stating, “That’s what gives me the error bar, not the technology.”
Echoing Dr. Gambetta, Ms. Oueid highlighted AI as an innovative approach to algorithm development that quantum tech may soon be able to exploit. She also pointed out that while quantum sensing and secure communications are emerging areas, there are already practical applications available like quantum key distribution, meaning that the quantum age has already arrived.
“The spirit of the CHIPS & Science Act is to reignite a moonshot for our nation’s scientific industrial complex.”
Mr. Matt Wells
President & CEO, One Region, Inc.; Chief Engagement Officer, Purdue University Northwest
Dr. Chen referenced Richard Feynman, underscoring the importance of understanding atomic structures and how to put them to human use. He expressed optimism about quantum computing's potential to facilitate the creation of new materials and atoms that conventional research cannot find, saying “I think that will happen within my lifetime.”
As the panel concluded, Mr. Wells pointed out that with the spectrum of timelines proposed—from immediate advancements to those projected decades into the future—the one certainty is exciting developments lie ahead. While challenges remain, the promise of quantum computing is a shared source of hope among experts in the field.