June 20, 2024 -- SandboxAQ, ‍‍an enterprise B2B company providing solutions at the nexus of AI and quantum technology (AQ), has joined the Chicago Quantum Exchange as a corporate partner.

The Palo Alto, California,-based company, which spun off from Alphabet Inc. in 2022, develops solutions to address some of the world's greatest challenges for the public sector and a broad range of industries including financial services, healthcare, cybersecurity, and telecommunications. SandboxAQ’s innovations include post-quantum cryptography (PQC), quantum sensing, and simulation & optimization.

SandboxAQ and CQE will collaborate on quantum sensing efforts, particularly at the University of Chicago-based National Science Foundation Quantum Leap Challenge Institute for Quantum sensing for Biophysics and Bioengineering (QuBBE). The CQE and SandboxAQ will also work together on recruiting, education, and training initiatives.

SandboxAQ partners with universities to jointly develop AQ curriculum, bootcamps, and certification programs, and offers open-access educational materials through its SandboxAQ Academy. The company also funds relevant faculty research and offers graduate-level residency programs for STEM students looking to develop industry-relevant AQ skills.  

“There's enormous energy and investment in Chicago's quantum programs,” said Marianna Bonanome, SandboxAQ’s Head of External Education Programs. “We're pleased to be a key partner and contributor to the academic and economic vibrancy it will bring.”  

The CQE is based at the University of Chicago and anchored by the US Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Northwestern University, and Purdue University. The CQE includes about 50 corporate, international, nonprofit, and regional partners.  

“SandboxAQ is a leader in developing cutting-edge AI and quantum applications for public and private institutions alike, and equally in creating educational and workforce development opportunities to help grow these important technology ecosystems,” said Paul Alivisatos, President of the University of Chicago. “We’re proud to welcome SandboxAQ as the newest member of the Chicago Quantum Exchange and look forward to closely collaborating with them to advance quantum information science.”