South Carolina Advances Quantum Readiness with New University-Led Projects Focused on Energy, Infrastructure, Industry, and Security

Insider Brief

• University of South Carolina and Clemson University are launching applied, project-driven quantum initiatives that build on South Carolina’s statewide quantum readiness strategy.
• The efforts follow a $15 million state investment in quantum information science and technology to coordinate industry, academia, and government around workforce development, infrastructure resilience, and economic competitiveness.
• New programs focus on practical applications including energy and infrastructure sensing, industry readiness and performance testing, cybersecurity for connected systems, and talent development through hands-on research and visiting scholars.
• Photo by kdbearden72 on Pixabay

PRESS RELEASE — A collaborative effort of educators, researchers, and statewide leaders is now taking shape through new projects at the University of South Carolina and Clemson University, building on quantum readiness efforts across the state.

In 2023, South Carolina policymakers made a strategic investment of $15 million in quantum information science and technology, recognizing its long-term importance to economic competitiveness, workforce development, and infrastructure resilience. A statewide effort on quantum readiness was established to coordinate that effort, building awareness, aligning institutions and connecting industry, academia, and government around a shared vision for the future.

“The early work was about creating shared understanding and alignment across the state,” said Dave Alsobrooks, former Director of Communications for SC Quantum. “What we’re seeing now is the result of that foundation in focused, project-driven efforts that move quantum from concept to application in ways that matter for South Carolina’s economy, workforce, and communities.”

At the University of South Carolina, the Applied Quantum for Space and Energy Lab (AQSEL) is advancing research that uses quantum-informed sensing and analysis to detect power grid and infrastructure issues earlier, reduce outages, and improve system performance. The initiative unites engineers, computer scientists, and physicists to apply advanced science to existing energy and infrastructure systems informed by satellite data, while training students through hands-on work aligned with defined operational needs.

At Clemson University, a complementary set of efforts focuses on industry readiness, performance testing, and security. These include Advancing Quantum Readiness and Innovation for Industry (AQRII), which helps South Carolina companies determine when advanced computing is necessary to remain competitive and when it is not, and ScaLab, which evaluates how emerging computing tools perform on real hardware under real-world conditions. Clemson is also leading South Carolina Quantum Sentinel (SC-Q-Sentinel), an initiative designed to strengthen protection of digital systems supporting cities and connected infrastructure as connectivity continues to expand.

“These projects show how South Carolina is approaching quantum in a practical, grounded way,” Alsobrooks said. “Rather than chasing technology for its own sake, the focus is on people, preparation, and application, as well as building skills, testing ideas in real environments, and creating pathways that lead to lasting value for the state.”

In addition, a Visiting Scholars Program is bringing national and international technical experience directly into applied research and education in South Carolina. These residencies support knowledge transfer, institutional learning, and long-term capacity, ensuring that quantum work in South Carolina is informed by real-world system performance and sustained collaboration.

Together, these efforts reflect a clear strategy for how South Carolina is contributing meaningfully to the future of quantum technologies. The work now underway builds directly on the momentum established through SC Quantum’s early coordination and positions the state to advance applied research, train talent, and prepare industries and communities for what comes next.

More information about current initiatives and ongoing work can be found at scquantum.org.