Quantum-Focused Group Aims to Develop ‘Economy & Workforce’ in Pacific Northwest

(OnMST.com) The three keystone partners of the Northwest Quantum Nexus are Microsoft Quantum, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and the University of Washington. They came together to form the NQN and operate in the vein of the National Quantum Initiative Act, which centers around advancing the access to Quantum Information Science (QIS) and developing an “economy and workforce in the greater Pacific Northwest”.  NQN will assist in:
–Bringing together academia, government, startups, and industry to pursue multi-disciplinary QIS research to deliver scalable quantum computing.
–Pursuing quantum computing via collaborative research and development, targeted quantum algorithms and programming, and the development of quantum materials.
–Capitalizing on public-private partnerships to promote a rapid exchange of knowledge and resources and drive discoveries in quantum technologies.
–Applying research outcomes to application areas and test beds, including clean energy and sustainability.
–Cultivating the future quantum workforce through programs that range from early to higher education and professional levels, as well as the corresponding network of institutions and outlets offering curriculum and training opportunities.
“The Northwest Quantum Nexus represents another big step toward the development of scalable, stable quantum computers,” says Todd Holmdahl, Corporate Vice President of Microsoft Quantum. “The partnership just makes a lot of sense – we’re already one of the top regions in the world for quantum research, and the Nexus will help us leverage that expertise to build a quantum-ready workforce and boost the region and nation’s quantum ecosystem.”