Insider Brief:
- UMD and Xanadu formed a three-year partnership to support quantum innovation, workforce development, and commercialization in Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic region.
- Xanadu will provide QLab users with access to its quantum computing tools, including the open-source PennyLane platform and photonic quantum hardware.
- The collaboration supports hands-on learning and startup growth, benefiting programs like the Quantum Machine Learning First-Year Immersive Research Experience and the Quantum Startup Foundry.
- QLab and Xanadu will exchange expertise, using user feedback to refine quantum technologies and align them with real-world industry and research needs.
- Image Credit: Xanadu
PRESS RELEASE — According to a recent release, the University of Maryland and quantum computing firm Xanadu have entered into a partnership comitted to supporting innovation, workforce development, and commercialization in Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic region. The three-year agreement makes Xanadu an industry partner in UMD’s National Quantum Laboratory, a user facility that supports quantum research, education, and industry collaboration.
Expanding QLab’s Capabilities
As noted in the release, Xanadu will provide QLab users with priority access to its quantum computing tools, including the open-source quantum programming framework PennyLane, as well as its photonic quantum hardware.
“UMD is committed to maintaining its leadership as a global hub for education, research, and innovation,” said Norbert Linke in the release, QLab Fellow and incoming Director. “This collaboration builds on UMD’s 35+ year history as a leader in quantum information science and grows our vibrant ecosystem known as the ‘Capital of Quantum’ with Xanadu’s cutting-edge quantum computing products and expertise, creating a range of new opportunities for students, researchers, and quantum technology startups.”
Through this partnership, QLab will be able to provide expanded resource options for students and researchers to gain hands-on experience with industry-grade quantum technologies. Programs such as the Quantum Machine Learning First-Year Immersive Research Experience and the Quantum Startup Foundry will directly benefit, equipping students and entrepreneurs with the tools to contribute to the quantum industry.
Driving Quantum Commercialization and Education
According to the release, this partnership aligns with Xanadu’s mission of making quantum computing useful and accessible. “Xanadu’s mission to deliver useful and accessible quantum computers aligns seamlessly with UMD’s educational and research goals,” said Christian Weedbrook, CEO of Xanadu. “Together, we are advancing quantum science and technologies that will benefit industries not just in Maryland, not just in the United States, but globally.”
Additionally, all involved parties are expected to benefit from the continuous exchange of expertise between QLab and Xanadu. User feedback from QLab will contribute to the refinement of Xanadu’s quantum technologies with a goal in mind that developments align with real-world research and industry needs.
Expanding Quantum Research and Practical Applications
UMD supports quantum research through initiatives like QLab and the Quantum Startup Foundry, which focus on workforce development and industry collaboration. Xanadu, founded in 2016, specializes in photonic quantum computing and its open-source platform, PennyLane, is widely used for quantum programming in both academic and industry settings.
According to the release, the partnership intends to expand access to quantum computing resources and support research applications in areas such as pharmaceuticals, energy, and national security. By integrating Xanadu’s quantum tools with UMD’s research ecosystem, the collaboration is expected to contribute to ongoing advancements in quantum information science and its practical applications.
