Maryland Department of Commerce funds PIC testing and packaging facility
QC82, a startup based at the University of Maryland, says it will use the facility for its room-temperature photonic chips, which are intended for scalable universal quantum computing
The University of Maryland (UMD) has announced that a quantum photonics company based at the university has received funding from the Maryland Department of Commerce’s Build Our Future Grant Pilot Program.
QC82, a company located at the Quantum Startup Foundry, which is housed at UMD, received $200,000 for the construction of a 1,000 square-foot integrated photonics testing and packaging facility for its room-temperature photonic chips for scalable universal quantum computing.
The Quantum Startup Foundry itself also received $118,600 for the implementation of a “shared lab” concept for quantum technology startups, including equipment, platforms and training. The project is called the University of Maryland Advanced Quantum-Centered Experience for Startups and Students (AQCESS).
The university says these grants serve to strengthen the reputation of UMD and the state of Maryland as a hub for quantum research and development.
“I’m so pleased to see that the Maryland Department of Commerce is using these grants to help accelerate innovation and discovery in areas where Maryland is already poised to be a leader and to spur significant economic development,” said Gregory Ball, vice president for research. “This support will undoubtedly help us continue our momentum in areas such as quantum technology, battery research and manufacturing, as well as the development of innovative new materials.”
