IBM Joins Fermilab-Led Quantum Computing Research Initiative

IBM is joining the Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems Center after it received approval from the Department of Energy’s Office of Science, Science Programs.

Under the Fermilab-led initiative, IBM is extending its expertise and resources to develop technologies necessary for advancing quantum computing.

For the past few months, SQMS has been engaged in creating a cryogenics solution for Colossus, a 3D superconducting radiofrequency-based quantum computing and sensing platform. A National Quantum Information Science Research Center under the DOE, the SQMS is composed of over 30 partner institutions, all working to produce multiqubit quantum processor platforms based on state-of-the-art qubits and superconducting technologies, IBM said.

Anna Grassellino, director of the SQMS Center, said that IBM’s addition provides the group access to more experts in superconducting materials, devices and quantum systems amid efforts to advance superconducting quantum systems.

Aside from SQMS, the DOE has four other research centers focused on quantum technology, including the Q-NEXT-led Argonne Quantum Foundry. In April 2023, the Foundry opened a research facility aiming to make quantum materials more accessible to researchers.