quantum computer

USC Quantum Initiative

USC has been a leader in quantum computing for more than 20 years.  Led by the Center for Quantum Information Sciences and Technologies (CQIST), in 2011 it became the first U.S. university to host a quantum computing system, the D-Wave One. Today, it provides access to both IBM and D-Wave quantum computing systems, to both researchers and students. USC is also the first university on the West Coast to be named an IBM Quantum Innovation Center. 

As part of the university Frontiers of Computing Initiative, the Viterbi School of Engineering and the Dornsife College of Letters and Sciences are jointly expanding USC’s investment in quantum information sciences and technologies by hiring new faculty and creating a thriving community of academic researchers and industry partners, with the goal of accelerating the development and application of quantum technologies.

Research

USC has a long track record of cutting-edge research in all areas of quantum information science and technologies, supported by funding from federal agencies and private companies. The Quantum Initiative has singled out three main research thrusts: Quantum Error Correction, Universal Quantum Sensing, and Quantum Enabled Applications.

Access to Quantum Computing Systems

USC is unique in that it provides access to two different quantum computing platforms to all its students, researchers, and faculty. External collaborators can also access these facilities when they are working on joint research project with USC personnel.

The two facilities are: