We bring together national experts and facilities to solve cutting-edge challenges in quantum information science

Q-NEXT brings together the world’s leading minds from the national laboratories, universities and technology companies to solve cutting-edge challenges in quantum information science.

Led by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory, Q-NEXT focuses on how to reliably control, store and transmit quantum information at distances that could be as small as the width of a computer chip or as large as the distance between Chicago and San Francisco.

Advances in quantum information science have the potential to revolutionize how we process and share information, with profound impacts such as advanced medical imaging, the creation of novel materials and ultrasecure communication networks.

Through its partnerships, Q-NEXT is creating an innovation ecosystem that enables the translation of discovery science into technologies for science and society.

molecular beam epitaxy machine

Innovative research

Q-NEXT focuses on quantum communication to distribute information robustly over long distances; quantum sensors, enabling ultraprecise measurements; quantum materials for building groundbreaking technologies; and quantum simulators to support the development of quantum computers.

A vibrant quantum ecosystem

National labs, universities and technology companies are partners in Q-NEXT. These organizations bring together world-leading experts in multiple areas of research, top-tier facilities, and cutting-edge projects and collaborations to advance the state of the art in quantum information science and technology.

Quantum foundries

The Q-NEXT team is building two national quantum foundries, one at Argonne and the other at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. These foundries will serve as a quantum factory, producing a robust supply chain of high-quality, standardized materials and devices that will support quantum-enabled applications.

The next-generation workforce

Q-NEXT is working to develop our nation’s future quantum workforce through innovative cooperative training programs with industry, quantum-focused institutional degree programs at the center’s university partners, and re-training certificate programs to build foundational skills for quantum careers.

Q-NEXT by the numbers

3 national labs
11 universities
14 leading technology companies
100 researchers
2 quantum foundries
9 states

Areas advanced by Q-NEXT R&D

Telecommunications
Energy
Financial services
Materials and chemicals
Pharmaceuticals
Transportation and logistics

Featured news

  • July 9, 2024, News and Features

    New method could yield fast, cross-country quantum network

    Scientists have struggled to come up with practical methods of building networks that can connect quantum computers. Now, researchers at the University of Chicago have proposed a new approach — building long quantum channels using vacuum sealed tubes with an array of spaced-out lenses. These… Read More

  • June 10, 2024, News and Features

    ‘Quantum optical antennas’ provide more powerful measurements on the atomic level

    From the University of Chicago: Researchers have never been able to tap the potentially huge intensity enhancements of some “atomic antennas” in solid materials simply because they were solids. Now, a multi-institutional team led by the University of Chicago's Alex High has cracked this problem. Read More

  • June 5, 2024, News and Features

    'Get entangled' with Eric Chitambar

    At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, theorist Eric Chitambar studies quantum communication. He is passionate about teaching and appreciates the strong collaborative spirit at UIUC, where his experimentalist colleagues help realize his group's ideas on hardware. Read More

In the news