November 14, 2024 -- Atlantic Quantum, in collaboration with Professor Kevin P. O’Brien at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Quantum Coherent Electronics (QCE) group, announces it has been selected by AFWERX for a Phase II STTR grant in the amount of $1.8 million focused on developing utility-scale superconducting quantum computers to address the most pressing challenges in the Department of the Air Force (DAF). The Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX have partnered to streamline the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) process by accelerating the small business experience through faster proposal to award timelines, changing the pool of potential applicants by expanding opportunities to small business and eliminating bureaucratic overhead by continually implementing process improvement changes in contract execution. The DAF began offering the Open Topic SBIR/STTR program in 2018 which expanded the range of innovations the DAF funded and now on August 15, 2024, Atlantic Quantum will start its journey to create and provide innovative capabilities that will strengthen the national defense of the United States of America.

“This award reflects the strong collaboration between Atlantic Quantum and MIT, where our foundational research began and continues to advance. Our partnership with AFRL allows us to push the boundaries of scalable quantum computing, providing innovative solutions for critical national security applications. We’re excited to deepen this relationship with AFRL and contribute to the future of secure, high-performance quantum technologies for national competitiveness,” said Bharath Kannan, Co-founder & CEO of Atlantic Quantum.

“This STTR grant allows us to validate new innovations in components for quantum computers, such as quantum-limited amplifiers, directly with leading system integrator Atlantic Quantum. This feedback loop will drive innovation in the readout of quantum processors,” said Atlantic Quantum’s grant collaborator Kevin P. O’Brien, Associate Professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.