President’s Message

Call it taking the quantum lead.

I’m referring to Arizona’s advancements in quantum computing.

What’s that? To help, here’s a short course:

Pretend your computer is a light switch. It’s either on or off. In computer speak, it uses bits that are either 0 or 1 to process information. By comparison, quantum computers are like switches featuring both dimmers for lights and spinners for fans. That is, qubits simultaneously can be 0 and 1 to make faster and more complex calculations that leave your old computer in the dust.

Arizona already has been a strong voice in shaping the national conversation on quantum policy. We’ve pushed for federal investments, workforce development and standards that ensure our nation stays ahead in this emerging race.

An example of what is happening here is Arizona State University’s weaving quantum into the broader fabric of applied research. The Quantum Collaborative is a research collaboration funded and powered by ASU, the state of Arizona and industry partners to advance quantum science across network communications, sensing, computing, simulation and cybersecurity while training the future quantum workforce and informing policy. Teams are exploring quantum materials, superconducting circuits and hybrid algorithms designed to solve real-world challenges in logistics, finance and energy optimization. By working across disciplines, ASU is creating the kind of ecosystem where industry problems can find academic solutions that scale.

Arizona already has sectors primed to benefit from early quantum applications. Our semiconductor ecosystem provides the fabrication and packaging capabilities needed to move quantum devices from prototypes to manufacturable components. Aerospace and defense companies need new tools in navigation, sensing and encryption. Water and energy managers see opportunities to use quantum-enhanced optimization for grid reliability and desalination. Even biosciences and healthcare stand to benefit as quantum algorithms begin to accelerate drug discovery and materials design.

Arizona even has the raw ingredients — talent, fabrication capacity and a demanding customer base — to support young companies building quantum communication systems, advanced sensors or hybrid algorithms that can work on classical systems today but seamlessly integrate with quantum hardware tomorrow.

An example is Quantum Computing Inc. (QCi), considered by some as the strongest active quantum-commercial presence in the state as it bridges hardware manufacturing, optics and nascent quantum applications. In May, QCi marked the opening of its state-of-the-art thin-film lithium niobate photonic chip foundry at ASU Research Park in Tempe. The facility enables domestic prototyping and mid-volume manufacturing of photonic chips — the building blocks of quantum systems.

Still, Arizona would benefit from a shared testbed where universities, startups and industry can access photonic rigs, cryogenic environments and secure fiber loops. We need procurement “sandboxes” that let utilities, cities and state agencies test quantum tools without seemingly endless legal wrangling. And we need to accelerate workforce training with microcredentials in photonics, cryogenics and post-quantum cryptography so technicians and engineers can move quickly into these new fields.

Our strength lies in weaving quantum into the industries we already dominate: semiconductors, optics, aerospace and applied problem-solving. By focusing on tangible pilots, workforce readiness and industry-aligned applications, we can show the rest of the nation what practical quantum leadership looks like.