Research & enabling technology

Quantum research in Utah

Utah’s opportunity is to connect strong research disciplines with the hardware, infrastructure, companies, and talent required to turn quantum science into practical capability.

Connect the full research stack.

Quantum progress depends on more than a single technology. It requires physics, engineering, computer science, materials, fabrication, controls, and advanced computing to work together.

The Utah Quantum Initiative coordinates partners across those disciplines, maps statewide capabilities, and helps connect research with national priorities and real-world needs.

Precision

Quantum sensing

Quantum sensors can enable highly precise measurement for navigation, timing, imaging, environmental monitoring, subsurface analysis, and defense applications. Utah’s strategy emphasizes the path from laboratory performance to systems that can operate in demanding environments.

Light

Photonics & communications

Photonics provides essential components for controlling, connecting, and reading quantum systems. Research in optical devices and communications can support sensing, networking, secure information exchange, and integrated quantum hardware.

Computation

Quantum & high-performance computing

Quantum computing is developing alongside classical high-performance computing. Utah’s opportunity includes algorithms, simulation, hybrid workflows, and the computing infrastructure researchers and companies need to evaluate useful applications responsibly.

Build

Materials, semiconductors & hardware

Quantum systems require specialized materials, controls, packaging, interconnects, fabrication, and cryogenic electronics. Utah’s semiconductor, electronics, aerospace, and advanced-manufacturing base can help strengthen this enabling layer.

The initiative’s research priorities are grounded in Executive Order 2026-06 and will be refined through the statewide landscape assessment due March 30, 2027.

One connected strategy

Research creates greater value when the path to application is visible.

The initiative is building connections among researchers, companies, manufacturers, students, investors, government, and national partners.