NSF Engines Development Award
Building Quantum Capacity, Operational Resilience and Equity (QCORE) through an NSF Engines Development Award
 |
QCORE will build on strong existing programs in our three-state region (MT, WY, and ID) to create an innovation ecosystem that will address key gaps in the national Quantum Supply Chain (QSC) which includes quantum materials, quantum devices, and support systems for the quantum system such as electronics, photonics, and cryogenics.
|
|
We will establish a network of partners that includes research universities, entrepreneurship educational and resource programs, incubators, accelerators, small businesses in the QSC, small businesses with potential for involvement in the QSC, tribal colleges and organizations, angel investors and venture capital organizations, economic development associations, state and local governments, community colleges, and national quantum companies and organizations. These partners will help develop a regional quantum technology and innovation strategy through a series of workshops.
Expected Outcomes:
Through this Development Award we will develop strategies to:
by assimilating diverse expertise to generate understanding of quantum industry needs, identify regional research strengths that address those needs, and develop / leverage mechanisms to stimulate and fund research and development activities to address the needs.
by spearheading a range of programs, platforms, and partnerships aimed at overcoming translation barriers and maximizing translation opportunities.
by developing educational and training opportunities to grow a skilled, adaptable, and diverse regional workforce that increases Quantum Information Science and Engineering (QISE) innovations, enhances translation outcomes, fills QSC needs, and anchors companies.
Broader Impacts:
This Development Award will help fund a Quantum Supply Chain (QSC) gap analysis which will be used to guide Use Inspired Research and Translation of resulting Technologies for societal benefit. This project will invite key stakeholders and community groups to workshops across the region to inform the regional quantum technology and innovation strategy and equitably involve underrepresented populations, including rural and Tribal populations, in quantum-related planning. Evidence-based strategies for rural and Tribal engagement will ensure diversity in workforce development, inclusion in innovation excellence, and equity in economic and investment opportunities.