P33 Chicago and NQAC Launch Quantum Research Grants

P33 Chicago and the National Quantum Algorithm Center recently launched Grand Challenges, a program that will support postdoctoral researchers developing industry-relevant #quantum applications in #Illinois. 🚀 Beginning with two $125K awards, the program aims to accelerate real-world quantum solutions in fields such as #lifesciences, #energy, #finance, and materials science. 📅 Register for an information session on Nov. 10: https://bit.ly/3LwOlJr ⏱️ Submit applications to NQAC@IQMP.org by Dec. 10: https://bit.ly/47ARe3f The Global Challenges Program adds to Illinois' tremendous momentum in #quantum computing. Just in the past month or so, PsiQuantum broke ground on its state-of-the-art facility at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park at Quantum Shore Chicago, and French tech innovator Pasqal announced its commitment to the #IQMP.

The United Nations has proclaimed 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology after significant advancements in the technology’s capabilities in recent years. Despite this progress, a lack of coordinated overview and actionable insights can make decision-making difficult for policymakers to fully capitalise on the benefits of quantum technology while mitigating risks. RAND Europe’s international policy research hub, the Quantum Technology Observatory for Policy and Society (QTOPS), is dedicated to fostering responsible development of quantum technology and tackle its broader implications for society and policymaking. Find out more about QTOPS: https://lnkd.in/exei7e5W

While “quantum” has become a buzzword representing cutting-edge and new technology, UConn has been active in related research stretching back decades. Now, with an important National Science Foundation (NSF) visit pending in December, that interdisciplinary consortium of researchers has been formalized as the UConn Quantum Alliance. https://bit.ly/3XjE0TI

Quantum technology development continues unabated. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced $625 million in funding to renew its five National Quantum Information Science (QIS) Research Centers, originally established under the National Quantum Initiative Act. The renewal is intended to advance American leadership in QIS by focusing resources on core R&D and strengthening the quantum innovation ecosystem. Each NQISRC will support fundamental science, develop unique tools, and apply quantum technology to DOE’s most pressing scientific and national security challenges. https://lnkd.in/eEmjktJf

A New Quantum National Purpose: A UK Quantum Strategy for Sovereignty and Scale. A new report by the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change has been published today, which looks at how the UK can turn its leadership in quantum research into commercial advantage. Professor Douglas J Paul, PI of QEPNT - UK Hub for Quantum Enabled Position, Navigation & Timing contributed to this report, highlighting the emerging areas of quantum technology and their applications. Read the full report at https://lnkd.in/ebkEDzQf

Day 1 of QDC 2025 set the stage for an exciting and forward-looking dialogue on the future of quantum optimization. The event opened with the Quantum State of the Union, providing a visionary roadmap toward achieving quantum advantage by 2026. Throughout the day, sessions delved into cutting-edge topics such as Quantum Approximate Multi-Objective Optimization, graph decomposition via QAOA, and the introduction of the Quantum Optimization Benchmarking Library (QOBLIB); all underscoring the accelerating convergence of theory and practical application. I was particularly intrigued by the presentation on the Quantum Optimization Benchmarking Library (QOBLIB) - a tool that could help standardize and accelerate progress toward practical quantum optimization. The atmosphere was one of collaboration, curiosity, and purpose. It’s inspiring to see researchers, developers, and industry partners working hand-in-hand to translate quantum promise into real-world progress. QDC [25] is clearly shaping up to be a defining moment for quantum innovation. Isaac Nape South African Quantum Technology Initiative (SA QuTI) Structured Light Lab Stephanie Muller IBM #IBMQuantum #QDC25 #QuantumComputing #Qiskit

Bridging Classical and Quantum Portfolio Optimization   📄 In our paper, Hot-Starting Quantum Portfolio Optimization, we introduce a method that combines classical optimization insights with quantum algorithms to tackle one of finance’s toughest challenges: discrete portfolio selection. 🌐 Quantum computing is often seen as futuristic, but our latest research shows how it can deliver practical benefits today. ✨ By leveraging the continuous relaxation of the problem, we reduce the search space dramatically—meaning fewer qubits, faster convergence, and better solutions. 💡 This hybrid approach could accelerate the adoption of quantum computing in asset management and beyond. 👉 Read the full paper: https://lnkd.in/dR4CGrmg We are happy to discuss and reach out to us! #PwC #QuantumComputing #Finance #HybridAlgorithms Dr. Alexander Dotterweich Sebastian Schlütter Dr. Nico Piatkowski Patrick Völker Dr. Johannes Knaute Florian Gerhardt

𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘁: 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗺 𝘁𝗼 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗔𝗱𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 As quantum technologies move closer to commercial reality, one of the biggest barriers to adoption isn’t technical, it’s communicative. Ahead of the 2025 Quantum Technologies Showcase in London next week, we are releasing our new report, Communicating Quantum to Industry Adopters. It explores how innovators can bridge the gap between scientific promise and business understanding and features input from Quantum Dice and National Physical Laboratory (NPL) . Drawing on insights from our work with quantum organisations, it outlines a practical five-point framework for translating quantum science into industry outcomes and establishing a two-way conversation between innovators and adopters. We will be attending the Showcase on Friday. If you’re also there, join David Lewis or Richard Moss for a conversation over coffee about how your organisation is approaching these communication challenges. #quantumshowcase25 #quantum #quantumcomms

Pleased to contribute to Memetic Communications Ltd's new report, Communicating Quantum to Industry Adopters, which explores how we bridge the gap between quantum science and business reality. My view was simple: industry doesn’t always need to understand the technical detail of quantum — it needs to know what quantum can do, and when it will make a difference. Clear, credible communication is key to turning awareness into adoption. The report is a great read for anyone working in marketing, communications, or strategy in quantum or other emerging technologies. You can find it below.

Pleased to have shared some thoughts for this report on communicating quantum technologies, based on some of things I've learnt working with talented colleagues at Quantum Dice. With 2025 marking the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology — and articles about quantum featuring in mainstream press (like this piece on BBC News today: https://lnkd.in/eTZijNwT) — how we communicate what these technologies can do for industry and wider society feels more relevant than ever. Looking forward to tomorrow’s #QuantumShowcase25 where Quantum Dice will be showcasing some exciting developments and, importantly, the benefits for industry. The report is an interesting read for people in marketing/comms interested in emerging technologies.