May 04, 2026 -- Clemson University is launching the South Carolina Quantum Sentinel (SC-Q-Sentinel), a ~$100,000 initiative focused on protecting smart city and Internet-of-Things (IoT) infrastructure, through cybersecurity research and workforce development.

Led by Dr. Mashrur “Ronnie” Chowdhury, the initiative will develop next-generation cybersecurity tools that integrate artificial intelligence (AI) with quantum computing techniques to detect and respond to cyber threats in real time. As cities increasingly rely on connected systems for transportation, energy management, and public safety, securing those digital networks is a growing priority.

SC-Q-Sentinel will demonstrate its approach in communities across upstate South Carolina, using the region as a case study to model the interconnected cybersecurity of transportation, energy, building and other smart city systems. The project will evaluate new intrusion detection methods enhanced by quantum AI and designed to be more adaptive and resilient than conventional cybersecurity tools, particularly in environments where thousands of connected devices operate simultaneously.

The initiative builds on South Carolina’s earlier statewide investment in quantum information science and technology. In 2023, state leaders committed $15 million to coordinate quantum readiness across institutions and industries. SC-Q-Sentinel extends that investment through applied research efforts that connect quantum and AI capabilities to real-world infrastructure challenges.

The initiative will also prioritize workforce development. Students from three South Carolina high schools and two technical colleges will participate in dedicated workshops that introduce core concepts in quantum computing, and cybersecurity. University students will engage in hands-on research aligned with the project’s applied cybersecurity framework, strengthening the state’s long-term cybersecurity talent pipeline.

“Securing connected infrastructure requires approaches that are both intelligent and adaptive,” said Dr. Chowdhury. “By integrating artificial intelligence with quantum computing techniques, we are developing systems capable of identifying threats more quickly and responding in ways that strengthen resilience across smart city networks.”

Through applied research and active student engagement, SC-Q-Sentinel will develop a scalable cybersecurity framework for smart and connected cities, extendable across South Carolina communities, while strengthening technical capacity and preparing a workforce for the evolving digital landscape.