U.S. Department of Energy Renews Funding for Argonne-Led Q-NEXT Quantum Research Center
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced the renewal of funding for Q-NEXT, a National Quantum Information Science Research Center (NQISRC) led by Argonne National Laboratory, in partnership with SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. The center will receive $125 million over five years, including $25 million for fiscal year 2026, with future funding subject to congressional appropriations.
The renewal ensures that Q-NEXT will continue to advance quantum information science and technology, strengthening the United States’ position as a global leader in this rapidly evolving field.
Quantum information science is a cornerstone of the nation’s technological future, with the potential to transform industries including computing, healthcare and national security,” said David Awschalom, inaugural Q-NEXT director and senior scientist at Argonne. “Through our renewed mission, Q-NEXT will continue to push the boundaries of quantum science, delivering the foundational knowledge, tools and technologies Combination needed to ensure national leadership in this critical field.”
Awschalom, who also serves as director of quantum engineering at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering and director of the Chicago Quantum Exchange, will now serve as Q-NEXT’s chief science officer.
Martin Holt, an Argonne scientist, has been appointed as the new Q-NEXT director.
Advancing Quantum Communication, Sensing, and Materials
In its next phase, Q-NEXT will focus on distributed quantum entanglement,of linking quantum systems across optical networks to demonstrate the potential for large-scale quantum communication. The center’s renewed mission builds on major accomplishments from its first five years, including establishing quantum foundries at Argonne and SLAC and publishing “A Roadmap for Quantum Interconnects,” a key research guide for the field.
We’re building on a strong foundation to harness distributed entanglement and demonstrate scalable quantum platforms,” said Holt. “By uniting quantum technologies across optical networks, we will pave the way for systems capable of transforming how we process, transmit and receive information.”
Q-NEXT’s renewed scientific goals center on three areas:
- Quantum Communication: Developing quantum networks that connect devices across metropolitan areas and demonstrate multi-processor algorithms.
- Quantum Sensing: Leveraging quantum entanglement for ultra-precise measurements with applications in medicine, navigation, and fundamental physics.
- Quantum Materials: Creating scalable materials systems that integrate seamlessly into practical quantum devices.
Building a National Quantum Ecosystem
Q-NEXT brings together two national labs, 11 universities, and six technology companies, forming a robust research-to-industry pipeline. Academic partners provide expertise in quantum communication and sensing, while industry collaborators offer cutting-edge hardware, prototypes, and manufacturing capabilities.
We envision quantum systems that connect from chip to chip, lab to lab, and city to city,” said Jennifer Dionne, Q-NEXT deputy director and professor at Stanford University and SLAC. “Our goal is to create shared hardware, software and protocols that make quantum networks efficient and practical.”
Key partners include Caltech, Cornell University, IBM, Intel, IonQ, MIT, PsiQuantum, Stanford University, UC Berkeley, UC Santa Barbara, University of Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Iowa, and University of Wisconsin–Madison.
IBM’s work with Q-NEXT is vital to building the future of quantum computing,” said Jay Gambetta, director of IBM Research. “Together, we are exploring how optical quantum links can connect IBM’s quantum networking units, enabling interconnected fault-tolerant quantum computers and paving the way for a future quantum internet.”
Investing in the Future Quantum Workforce
In addition to its research, Q-NEXT continues to train the next generation of quantum scientists and engineers through DOE initiatives such as the Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship and the Open Quantum Initiative Undergraduate Fellowship.
By fostering a skilled workforce, Q-NEXT is ensuring that the U.S. remains at the forefront of quantum innovation,” said Awschalom.
National Impact and Outlook
Quantum technologies are driving innovations across society,” said Paul Kearns, Argonne Laboratory Director. “With a renewed Q-NEXT, we will continue to play an integral role in the national quantum ecosystem, accelerating the development of transformative technologies that strengthen our nation’s security, prosperity, and technological leadership.”
Q-NEXT is one of five DOE National Quantum Information Science Research Centers renewed for another five years as part of the DOE Office of Science’s ongoing investment in U.S. quantum leadership.
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