Montana State University (MSU) is opening the doors of its new quantum computing research facility at the end of this month – making the university home to one of only five quantum network test beds in the world.
The Quantum Collaborative Research and Education (QCORE) facility is housed within MSU’s College of Letters and Science. The facility is outfitted with a Rigetti Novera superconducting quantum computer on site – marking a first for any university.
MSU explained that QCOR is one of only seven organizations in the world to house two different types of quantum computers – photonic and superconducting – and the only university in the United States to have an ORCA photonic quantum computer.
“We’re leading Montana’s transformation into a global powerhouse for quantum-enabled technologies by 2035 by fostering economic growth, academic excellence and developing a resilient, future-focused workforce,” said Jayne Morrow, director of QCORE, in a statement.
“These capabilities are not just for research,” Morrow said. “These investments create entirely new computing and networking infrastructure for the state of Montana.”
MSU said creation of the 12,600 square-foot facility was partly funded by nearly $45 million received from the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory and supported by 60 other organizations and individuals.
While aiding in quantum discovery and research, Morrow said that that QCORE will also support research translation, workforce education programs from K-12 and up, and provide a “business incubator” for startups.
“We’re envisioning ourselves as a research facility that’s really got a lot of hard science built into it, but which is also directed at meeting the needs of industry,” Morrow said, adding “but we also understand it’s important to connect this emerging field of quantum with the opportunities in our local communities around Montana.”
“We have sent quantum kits to over 70 schools around Montana to give teachers resources to help kids engage in quantum systems and supported artists of all ages from around Montana to create Sunprints, which harness quantum mechanics to generate beautiful images,” she continued.
Work on QCORE first began when MSU received a $26.7 million grant from AFRL in 2023 to buy equipment to test prototype quantum components in extremely cold environments. The university later received an additional $18 million to create a new multi-node network that is part traditional networking and part quantum networking.
The university is holding an open house on Aug. 22 upon opening the facility’s doors and will host a three-day summit on challenges in quantum systems.