Quantum science is widely recognized as transformational, but what is it? Simply put, it is the study of things at a small, atomic level. It is seen as the key to unlocking new technological breakthroughs and so far, it has enabled the development of the laser, digital camera, and more. And researchers are developing ways to apply quantum to advancements in bioscience, aerospace, and national security. Recently, significant progress in quantum computers, which can solve problems faster than traditional computers, have revolutionized research.
We’ve already explored the ways Colorado companies are turning quantum technologies into real world businesses, employing 3,000 workers in Colorado. Here, let's look at the educational institutions in Colorado working to create lasting quantum advancements in our state.
The University of Colorado Boulder: CUbit Quantum Initiative
Discover, educate, and commercialize. As a leader in the quantum industry, CU Boulder’s research has driven quantum advances for decades. The university has four Nobel Prizes for fundamental research in quantum science, which is the highest concentration of Nobel Prizes of quantum science anywhere in the world.
Multiple quantum companies have spun out of CU Boulder, including LongPath Technologies. The company uses quantum technology to monitor emissions for the oil and gas industry and detect methane gas leaks quicker than other technologies. LongPath also helps its clients prevent product loss with this monitoring technology, increasing efficiency and saving clients money. Another company, Mesa Quantum, is working to build the world’s smallest atomic clock, which will revolutionize modern infrastructure and improve computation, communication, navigation, and more. OEDIT recently awarded the company an Advanced Industries Early-Stage Capital and Retention Grant, which supports early-stage companies creating unique technologies in Colorado.
To build on the university’s early quantum success and facilitate stronger collaboration with NIST and Front Range companies, CU Boulder launched the CUbit (pronounced Q-bit) Quantum Initiative in 2019.
CUbit’s Quantum Initiative Executive Director Scott Sternberg said, “We believe the future of quantum is here…it’s happening now and it’s here at CU Boulder.” Sternberg emphasized that education initiatives like CUbit are critical to the continued investment and development of quantum. “We have to invest in engineering and support structure, and in addition to that, also invest in our ability to translate this science out into products and commercial companies. The CUbit Initiative looks at all of that.”
The Colorado School of Mines: Quantum COmmons
Quantum COmmons is a 70-acre development in Arvada created for startups and quantum leaders alike. This partnership between Elevate Quantum and the Colorado School of Mines gives quantum professionals and startups the space to refine their technology and manufacture without large upfront capital. When complete, the site is expected to offer over half a million square feet of quantum facilities.
As an institution, the Colorado School of Mines has made major strides for quantum workforce development. In 2020, the university launched one of the first Master of Science in Quantum Engineering programs in the nation. Fred Sarazin, professor, physics department head and quantum director speaks to this development, stating “With the quantum tech hub denomination, the thriving quantum ecosystem and support across all levels from the Governor’s Office down to K-12 educators, and reflecting on ways to bring quantum awareness to future members of the workforce, we have a perfect alignment to go big on quantum collectively in Colorado.”
The COmmons recently celebrated the grand opening of its first major building, reflecting this collective initiative to “go big on quantum.” And as the COmmons grows, so will job opportunities for a variety of roles including technicians, all contributing to vast quantum developments as Sarazin also detailed. “Our growing ability to engineer quantum systems at the microscopic level will enable the emergence of next-generation quantum sensors, computers and communication unlike anything that exists today.”
Quantum Education for All Ages
As Sarazin noted, quantum education isn’t just happening at the post-secondary level, it’s also in K-12 schools, creating pathways for future quantum development. Elevate Quantum and state leaders collaborated to create the Blueprint for Advancing K–12 Quantum Information Technology, which outlines steps to expand access to quantum education in classrooms. As a part of this blueprint, the Colorado Department of Education offers ready-to-use quantum K–12 lesson plans.
St. Vrain Valley Schools, a K-12 Elevate Quantum member, incorporates quantum education into its STEM curriculum, sparking quantum curiosity in classrooms. The district’s Innovation Center also offers quantum lessons for students to explore the world of quantum science.
In addition to their work with Elevate Quantum, St. Vrain Valley Schools is an Opportunity Now grantee, an OEDIT program that supports secondary, post-secondary, and workforce development initiatives for Colorado’s students and workers. Other grantees helping to advance quantum education include Red Rocks Community College, which incorporates quantum education into aerospace and advanced manufacturing training.
From K-12 to post-secondary institutes, multiple programs are helping Coloradans explore the possibilities of quantum science. With the number of jobs projected to grow to 30,000, it is vital to continue the support for foundational skills in quantum, and ensure quantum’s bright future in Colorado.