The University of Maryland's College of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences (CMNS) will use IonQ's $1 million gift to create professorships to promote basic and applied research in science and technology at Maryland colleges and universities. The Maryland Department of Commerce will also match the $1 million gift.

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01IonQ: Originating at the University of Maryland

The IonQ professorship will be filled by a faculty member in the Department of Physics or Computer Science who is involved in quantum computing research. "IonQ is a revolutionary startup born out of physics research at the University of Maryland and the first publicly traded pure-play hardware and software company in quantum computing," said Darryll J. Pines, president of the University of Maryland (UMD), "We thank IonQ and State of Maryland for their continued investment in research, programming and the entire quantum ecosystem at the University of Maryland. This is another step in building a quantum capital."

IonQ also supports UMD's Quantum Startup Factory, Quantum Technology Center, Enterprise Computing Partners, and hackathons hosted by Bitcamp and Technica students. In addition, UMD and IonQ have established the National Quantum Lab (Q-Lab) in Maryland: accelerating the adoption of real-world quantum computing by providing UMD-affiliated students, researchers and partners across the country with access to commercial-grade quantum computers and IonQ experts.

"IonQ is excited to continue its close association with the University of Maryland and to stimulate their already leading position in the field of quantum science and technology." said Christopher Monroe, co-founder and chief scientist of IonQ and professor of physics at UMD.

IonQ was founded in 2015 by Monroe and Jungsang Kim of Duke University. The company, which is located on the UMD campus and employs more than 100 people, received the 2021 Innovation Award from the Association of University Research Parks and was included in Time's list of 100 most influential companies in 2022.

CMNS Dean Amitabh Varshney said, "The new endowed IonQ Professorship will allow us to attract top talent from leading universities, government labs or companies doing the most interesting and translational work in quantum science, computing and information."

02Quantum layout at the University of Maryland

Not only is IonQ the commercial home of UMD, but UMD also has 12 quantum research centers: the

Center for Condensed Matter Theory. The Center for Condensed Matter Theory (CMTC) was created by the University of Maryland in 2002 to maintain the University's continuing research strengths in theoretical quantum condensed matter physics and quantum computing.

Institute for Physical Science and Technology. The Institute provides support for theoretical and experimental research at the intersection of traditional disciplines. Current research interests include: nonequilibrium systems, emerging materials and active matter; network science and dynamical systems; quantitative life sciences; high-energy particle astrophysics and space technology; and applied mathematics and scientific computing.

Institute for Research in Electronics and Applied Physics (IREAP) IREAP is a joint institute of the School of Computing, Mathematics and Natural Sciences and the A. James Clark School of Engineering. Experimental and theoretical research is conducted in many areas; for example, high-temperature plasma physics, plasma spectroscopy, microwave electronics, high-brightness charged particle beams, laser-plasma interactions, nonlinear dynamics, biophysics, ion beam microfabrication techniques, nanoscience, and nanotechnology.

Joint Center for Quantum Information and Computer Science (QuICS) QuICS is a collaboration between the University of Maryland (UMD) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) that advances research and education in quantum computer science and quantum information theory.

Joint Quantum Institute (JQI).JQI serves as a world-class research institute for fundamental research on coherent quantum phenomena, thereby laying the foundation for engineering and controlling complex quantum systems capable of exploiting the coherence and entanglement of quantum mechanics; maintaining and strengthening national leadership in high technology through a strong collaboration between NIST, UMD, and the NSA's Laboratory of Physics (LPS) status; and provide a unique, interdisciplinary center for the exchange of ideas among scientists in atomic physics, condensed matter, and quantum information.

LPS Laboratory for Quantum Bits Collaboration (LQC) The LQC is a national center for quantum information science research that pursues disruptive quantum bits research, innovative workforce development programs, and deep collaborations to solve some of the most difficult open problems in quantum information science and technology.

Maryland Quantum-Thermodynamics Center. Discusses the emergence of thermodynamics from three perspectives: (1) How fast does entanglement dissipate? (2) How similar is the dissipation of entanglement to the arrow of time? (3) To what extent can quantum phenomena hinder the arrow of time? We are answering these questions through mathematical derivations, computer simulations, and experimental design.

The National Quantum Laboratory (Q-Lab). IonQ's leaders in science, engineering, and computing will be co-located at the Q-Lab, enabling them to co-develop new quantum applications; the facility will also provide training related to the use of IonQ's commercial quantum hardware.

The Institute for Robust Quantum Simulation of Quantum Leap Challenges. The work is divided into three categories: validating quantum simulations; understanding the interaction of quantum simulators with their environment; and developing scalable quantum simulators for science and technology.

Quantum Materials Center (QMC) The goal of the QMC is to establish a unique, interdisciplinary center for the exchange of ideas and skills among scientists working in all aspects of condensed matter physics and quantum materials and phenomena; to lay the foundation for future technologies based on the electronic properties of quantum materials, with applications ranging from power/energy infrastructure, quantum information and computing technologies, nanoelectronics, nano-optics, and spintronic materials. .

Quantum Startup Factory (QSF). QSF will combine entrepreneurs with industry and government customers, investors, technical mentors, cutting-edge research and intellectual property, and quantum-specific infrastructure (equipment, tools, facilities.) Located in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, QSF provides a perfect launch pad for quantum companies.

Quantum Technology Center (QTC).

UMD also organizes and facilitates the Mid-Atlantic Quantum Alliance (MQA): a rapidly growing hub for quantum technology research, development, innovation and education with 32 university, government, industry and nonprofit partners. together, MQA members are building a vibrant and diverse ecosystem designed to foster U.S. and regional leadership in the upcoming quantum technology revolution.

"Maryland is consistently one of the highest ranked states for innovation, and colleges and universities are a key driver of cutting-edge research and bold new ideas." Maryland Secretary of Commerce Mike Gill said, "We are pleased to support the groundbreaking and forward-thinking work being led by institutions of higher education."

Reference Link:

https://cmns.umd.edu/news-events/news/umd-establishes-endowed-professorship-quantum-computing