Xanadu teams up with the University of Maryland on quantum
The company, best known for its work in photonic quantum computing, will provide access to its tools to support education, research, and commercialisation activities at UMD’s National Quantum Laboratory
The University of Maryland (UMD) and the quantum computing firm Xanadu have announced that they have established a strategic partnership to drive innovation, workforce development, and commercialisation across the state of Maryland and the wider mid-Atlantic region.
As part of this three-year agreement, Xanadu will become an industry partner in the National Quantum Laboratory (QLab) at UMD – a user facility that aims to accelerate research and education for UMD units, regional partners, companies and global users. Through the QLab, Xanadu will provide priority access to its software tools, including quantum computer programming tool PennyLane, as well as its advanced photonic quantum technologies.
“UMD is committed to maintaining its leadership as a global hub for education, research, and innovation,” said Norbert Linke, QLab fellow and incoming director. “This collaboration builds on UMD’s 35+ year history as a leader in quantum information science and grows our vibrant ecosystem known as the “Capital of Quantum” with Xanadu’s cutting-edge quantum computing products and expertise, creating a range of new opportunities for students, researchers, and quantum technology start-ups.”
This collaboration with Xanadu is intended to expand QLab’s offerings, enabling experiential learning for students and researchers while preparing the next generation of experts needed for the emerging quantum computing industry. Specifically, this QLab partnership will support several programmes that are growing the Capital of Quantum ecosystem, including students in the Quantum Machine Learning First-Year Immersive Research Experience (QML FIRE) and companies and entrepreneurs in the Quantum Startup Foundry. Additionally, QLab user feedback will inform the continuous improvement of Xanadu products.
“Xanadu’s mission to deliver useful and accessible quantum computers aligns seamlessly with UMD’s educational and research goals,” said Christian Weedbrook, CEO of Xanadu. “Together, we are advancing quantum science and technologies that will benefit industries not just in Maryland, not just in the United States, but globally.”
Together, Xanadu and UMD’s QLab say they are poised to unlock the transformative potential of quantum computing in pharmaceuticals, energy, national defence and beyond. Through collaborative education, joint research, and market acceleration activities, this partnership aims to solidify the UMD-led Capital of Quantum as a leading global hub for quantum information science and technology.
