MITRE, MSU Collaborate to Accelerate Advances in Rare Earth Minerals to Fuel Quantum Research

Insider Brief

• MITRE and Montana State University (MSU) are collaborating on research to reduce U.S. reliance on Chinese rare earth elements for quantum technology, as well as advancing materials science and creating opportunities for workforce development.
• The partnership aims to identify domestic alternatives to materials like holmium copper, crucial for quantum cryocoolers, using artificial intelligence and density functional theory to develop a catalog of functional materials for quantum applications.
• Beyond research, the collaboration seeks to expand MSU student pathways into technology fields, emphasizing internships, mentorships, and critical skills development for careers in cybersecurity and federal agencies.

PRESS RELEASE — MITRE and Montana State University (MSU) are conducting joint research that aims to reduce U.S. dependence on Chinese sources for the rare earth elements used today in developing quantum technology applications.

Under a memorandum of understanding signed in August, the two organizations are also collaborating to pioneer advances in material science necessary to advance quantum applications, identify employment opportunities in the technology field for MSU students, expand collaboration around the annual Critical Resource Summit, and broaden engagement with the Headwaters Tech Hub as well as other federal innovation investments. 

“Successfully identifying a domestic alternative for the rare earth elements used in quantum research today could foster innovation in advanced manufacturing, address U.S. critical supply chain challenges, and leverage government investment in regional technology and innovation hubs for economic development,” said Alex Philp, senior principal, strategic outreach, MITRE Public Sector. 

“Montana State University is committed to developing partnerships that extend the reach of its research and advance the nation’s security and economic priorities,” said Alison Harmon, vice president for research and economic development at Montana State University. “MITRE’s work on critical minerals and quantum technologies aligns well with Montana State’s research priorities and creates opportunities to contribute to America’s national and economic security for years to come.”

For example, holmium copper is used today in the cryocoolers needed to cool quantum computers and sensors but is primarily available from China. A White House fact sheet released in September noted that “China has cornered the market for processing and refining of key critical minerals, leaving the U.S. and our allies and partners vulnerable to supply chain shocks and undermining economic and national security.”

MITRE and MSU are working to develop a catalog of alternative, highly functional materials for quantum applications using artificial intelligence and density functional theory—a method used in physics and chemistry to predict how atoms and molecules behave by focusing on the density of electrons rather than tracking each electron individually.

MITRE and MSU are also exploring ways to enhance technology employment opportunities for MSU students at MITRE as well as federal government agencies in fields including cybersecurity, which has been an area of emphasis for MSU. This effort will include identifying skills critical to government agencies as well as having MITRE provide internships, mentors, and guest speakers at MSU.