Seated, from left: Dr. Daniel Okay. Wims, President of AAMU, and Dr. Charles Karr, President of UAH. Back row, from left: Dr. Zhengtao Deng, Dean, College of Engineering, Technology and Physical Sciences at AAMU; Mr. John Kuenzli, IBM Army Client Account Lead – Redstone; Mr. James Lackey, COO, Davidson Technologies; and Dr. Rainer Steinwandt, Dean, College of Science at UAH.
Michael Mercier | UAH
The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) introduced immediately the formation of the Southeastern Quantum Collaborative (SQC), a brand new regional initiative that may speed up the development and utility of quantum info science and expertise throughout the Southeast. UAH is part of The University of Alabama System.
Designed to place the area as a worldwide chief in quantum computing and rising quantum applied sciences, the SQC will unite tutorial establishments, trade companions and authorities organizations. It will formally launch on January 1, 2026.
The SQC goals to leverage the area’s distinctive focus of cleared protection infrastructure, superior missile protection experience and powerful base of prime contractors to speed up the transition of quantum info science and expertise into field-ready capabilities for the warfighter.
It can even assist the contractor neighborhood with specialised experience and workforce improvement. Early focus areas embrace quantum sensing, communications and networking, and computation and algorithms.
“Quantum research is a national priority, and the technologies it produces are essential to maintaining our security and competitiveness,” stated Dr. Robert Lindquist, Vice President for Research and Economic Development at UAH. “By focusing our efforts on turning scientific discovery into real-world capability, we can provide meaningful support to federal agencies and address critical national needs.”
In addition to UAH, founding members of the SQC embrace IBM, Davidson Technologies and Alabama A&M University. Additional organizations — together with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC), Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU), IonQ and Leidos — have dedicated to hitch as inaugural members.
National and worldwide efforts illustrate the strategic significance of quantum science,” stated Dr. Rainer Steinwandt, Dean of the UAH College of Science and Executive Director of the SQC. “For instance, NATO approved its first quantum strategy last year, aiming at the Alliance’s quantum-readiness. The unique combination of universities, industry, and defense expertise in the Southeast gives us a platform to accelerate quantum breakthroughs that matter. Our region’s talent, infrastructure, and mission-driven focus places us in an ideal position to play a leadership role in translational quantum science.”
A board of governance composed of representatives from member organizations will information the SQC’s actions, making certain alignment with analysis priorities, workforce wants, and new federal alternatives.
“The challenges of quantum science are too big for any single institution,” stated Dr. Charles Karr, UAH President. “The Southeastern Quantum Collaborative brings together universities, industry and federal partners to create a coordinated, regional engine that builds technologies, talent, and opportunities that will benefit the entire region. As the founding institution, UAH is proud to lead this effort and help drive our region’s position as a national hub for quantum innovation.”
Additional info is positioned on the Southeastern Quantum Collaborative page. For particulars about membership, contact Dr. Ray Vaughn at [email protected] or Dr. Rainer Steinwandt at [email protected].