Launch of QLLIANSE to Propel Quantum Technology in The Southeastern United States

Insider Brief

• The QLLIANSE initiative is launching to establish the Southeastern U.S. as a major hub for quantum technology, focusing on building a people-based quantum ecosystem to support economic growth and innovation.
• The initiative has garnered support from top institutions like IonQ, and Pasqal, uniting diverse partnerships across industry, academia, and government.
• QLLIANSE aims to ensure equitable access to the quantum economy, foster a skilled workforce, and position the Southeast as a global leader in quantum technology.

PRESS RELEASE — A new initiative, QLLIANSE, is launching to establish the Southeastern United States as a major hub for quantum technology. The launch event will take place at the upcoming Quantum World Congress, where key stakeholders from industry, academia and government will gather to mark the beginning of a transformative initiative.

A Collaborative Vision for the Future

QLLIANSE is designed to unify efforts across the Southeastern states, fostering collaboration among leading quantum research institutions, innovative technology companies, and forward-thinking policymakers. 

While many groups in the quantum landscape are focused on hardware and software, QLIIANSE focus is on peopleware as the heart of building a quantum future. The group is developing the collaborations necessary to inspire, attract and retain talent that will transform the region’s economic landscape. The first step of that goal, then, is to build a vibrant, people-based quantum ecosystem that can support economic growth, technological innovation, and equitable access to quantum advancements, said Joe Queenan, Executive Director, South Carolina Quantum

“The headlines of progress in quantum make it clear that we’re at a pivotal moment where the Southeastern states have the opportunity to lead in the quantum revolution,” said Queenan. “Through QLLIANSE, we’re not just building a network of quantum expertise, we’re laying the foundation for sustained economic growth and technological innovation. Our collaboration is about ensuring that the benefits of quantum technology are shared equitably, creating opportunities that reach every corner of our region.”

Historically, quantum research and development have been dominated by other regions in the USA and internationally. However, QLLIANSE aims to connect the unique assets and capabilities available only in the Southeast – from top-tier research facilities to robust corporate partners – to build a self-sustaining quantum economy that benefits the entire region.

Leaders also are working to ensure that QLLIANSE offers equitable access to the quantum ecosystem across the southeastern states, even for those with fewer resources.

Key Partnerships and Support

QLLIANSE has already garnered support from prominent organizations, including North Carolina State University and leading quantum firms, such as IonQ and Pasqal. These partnerships underscore the consortium’s commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive network that spans multiple states, industries, and academic disciplines.

The key to successful quantum ecosystems is uniting diverse partnerships with a single goal, said Charlie Brock, CEO of the Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative (CQC).

“We’re more likely to realize the maximum potential impact of quantum technology when we come together as part of diverse partnerships,” said Brock. “CQC is excited to join other Tennessee and southeastern organizations in teaming up with QLLIANSE and its like-minded members to drive economic and workforce development opportunities for our region while addressing key national challenges.”

Keith Alan Clark, President of Qubitekk, added that basing QLLIANSE in the southeast offers an array of advantages for organizations based there.

“With a major project based in the southeast and an office located in Chattanooga, Qubitekk is pleased to be at the table with other organizations working to accelerate the development of quantum technologies in the southeast U.S. and beyond”, said Clark.

Greg Byrd, professor of electrical and computer engineering, NC State University and Executive Director of NC State’s IBM Quantum Innovation Center, said QLLIANSE can help foster collaborations between academia, industry and government labs in the Southeast to advance quantum technologies and address complex challenges.

“The NC State Quantum Initiative is eager to support the efforts of QLLIANSE to build and enhance collaborations among researchers from academia, industry, and government laboratories across the Southeast, and to realize the quantum-enabled applications and technologies that will solve challenging problems,” said Byrd. “We are also committed to creating educational partnerships that will train the future quantum workforce to enable economic development and entrepreneurship in the region.

Peter Chapman, IonQ, President and CEO, pointed out the value of collaboration between academic institutions and industry partners in quantum, as well as IonQ’s commitment to contributing its advanced quantum systems and expertise.

“IonQ is thrilled to be joining forces with QLLIANSE to realize the economic impact and social potential of quantum that’s being built in the business-friendly environment of the Southeast,” said Chapman. “By providing access to our leading-edge systems and quantum scientists we anticipate meaningful outcomes from these innovative academic and industry collaborators.”

Reinhold Mann, Vice Chancellor for Research, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga said, “Productive collaborations with academic, commercial and federal lab partners are an integral part of our program development effort in Quantum Information Science and Engineering driven by the UTC Quantum Center. QllianSE can offer important opportunities for our students and faculty to engage with partners across our larger SE USA region, and advance the emerging quantum techno-economic ecosystem in the Southeast.

Aiming for Tangible Impact

QLLIANSE’s strategy includes convening regular meetings among members to share best practices, discuss grant opportunities and explore collaborative projects. The consortium will also focus on fostering a skilled workforce, promoting educational initiatives, and supporting startups in the quantum space.

Although the heart of this initiative is centered in the Southeast, its impact will be felt internationally. As part of its long-term vision, QLLIANSE members will work to position the Southeast as a leader in the global quantum market. This includes not only achieving research advances in quantum science but also ensuring that these advancements translate into economic opportunities and improved quality of life for the communities involved.

For more information, or to join the initiative, please visit the QLLIANSE website.