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University of Northern Iowa to lead advanced materials research for quantum technology

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  Published in Science and Technology on Saturday, September 6th 2025 at 8:54 GMT by Des Moines Register
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University of Northern Iowa Secures Major National Science Foundation Grant to Advance Quantum Technology

September 6, 2025 – Des Moines, Iowa
The University of Northern Iowa (UNI) has been awarded a significant research grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), signaling a new era of quantum innovation for the state’s flagship institution. The $3.8 million, five‑year award – the largest quantum‑technology grant ever received by a mid‑size university in the Midwest – will fund a multi‑disciplinary effort to develop robust quantum networks and quantum‑enhanced sensing technologies that could revolutionize fields ranging from secure communications to climate monitoring.

The Grant: A Catalyst for Quantum Advancement

The NSF’s “Quantum Networks Initiative” (QNI) is a national effort to create a secure, scalable quantum internet that can transmit information with unprecedented fidelity. UNI’s project, titled “Q-NEX: Quantum Networking and Extreme‑Scale Experiments”, aligns with this vision by combining the university’s strengths in physics, computer science, electrical engineering, and applied mathematics.

“We’re standing on the brink of a quantum revolution,” said UNI Chancellor James A. Hilliard. “This grant provides the resources we need to position Iowa at the forefront of quantum research and to train the next generation of scientists and engineers who will make these technologies a reality.”

The award’s principal investigators are Dr. Maya Patel, a physicist specializing in superconducting qubits, and Dr. Luis Ortega, an electrical engineer focused on photonic integration. Both professors will lead a team of post‑doctoral researchers, graduate students, and undergraduate interns, many of whom will be drawn from UNI’s growing quantum‑science curriculum.

What the Research Will Deliver

The Q-NEX project has three interlocking goals:

1. Quantum‑Secure Communications – Develop a prototype quantum key distribution (QKD) system that can operate over standard fiber‑optic networks. The team will explore both discrete‑variable and continuous‑variable QKD protocols, with an eye toward commercialization and eventual integration with existing telecommunications infrastructure.

2. Quantum‑Enhanced Sensing – Design and test a quantum‑correlated sensor array capable of detecting minute variations in magnetic fields and temperature. This technology has potential applications in medical imaging, geology, and environmental monitoring, particularly for early detection of seismic activity and oil‑reservoir mapping.

3. Scalable Architecture – Build a modular, reconfigurable quantum processing unit (QPU) that can interconnect multiple quantum nodes. The project will leverage photonic chips, superconducting qubits, and quantum error‑correcting codes to push toward fault‑tolerant operations.

Building Infrastructure and Education

A substantial portion of the grant will fund the construction of a dedicated quantum research lab on campus. The lab will feature state‑of‑the‑art cryogenic facilities, ultra‑high‑vacuum chambers, and a high‑performance computing cluster tailored for quantum simulation. Additionally, the grant supports the expansion of UNI’s existing Quantum Engineering and Computing (QEC) graduate program, which will now include a new minor in “Quantum Technology and Society” to help students understand the ethical, legal, and economic dimensions of quantum innovations.

“The NSF grant is a win‑win for academia and industry,” noted Dr. Ortega. “By providing hands‑on experience with cutting‑edge quantum hardware, we’re creating a talent pipeline that local companies can tap into. It’s a classic example of university‑industry collaboration.”

Local and National Impact

The project will not only elevate UNI’s research profile but also stimulate the local economy. An anticipated “economic multiplier effect” is expected, as the grant will attract ancillary research contracts, spin‑out startups, and increased student enrollment. Local tech firms—particularly those in data security and telecommunications—have expressed interest in partnering with UNI’s quantum research team.

On a national level, the Q-NEX project aligns with the U.S. Department of Energy’s quantum‑materials initiatives and the Department of Defense’s quantum communications efforts. By participating in the QNI network, UNI will be a key node in the developing quantum internet, helping to ensure that the United States maintains technological leadership in this rapidly evolving field.

Community Engagement and Outreach

In addition to the research, the Q-NEX team plans a robust outreach program to demystify quantum science for the broader public. Plans include:

• “Quantum Saturdays” – Monthly workshops for local high‑school students, featuring interactive demonstrations of quantum superposition and entanglement.
• Public Lectures – Series of free talks open to the community, delivered by university faculty and invited experts from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Department of Energy.
• Virtual Quantum Lab Tours – A web‑based platform where anyone can explore the research lab’s equipment, read project updates, and engage with researchers through live Q&A sessions.

“Quantum technology isn’t just for labs,” said UNI’s Director of Student Engagement, Marissa Greene. “We want to bring the excitement of the field to our community and inspire the next wave of innovators.”

Looking Ahead

The first year of the grant will focus on constructing the physical infrastructure and recruiting the research team. Preliminary experiments are expected to begin in early 2026, with a proof‑of‑concept quantum communication link projected for 2027. By 2030, the university aims to have a fully operational, scalable quantum network prototype that can be demonstrated at national conferences and industry showcases.

UNI’s leadership sees this grant as a transformational milestone that will elevate the university’s standing in the global quantum research community, attract top-tier talent, and provide tangible benefits to the state’s economy and technological landscape.

Key Takeaways

• $3.8 million NSF grant to the University of Northern Iowa for quantum network research.
• Three main goals: secure quantum communications, quantum‑enhanced sensing, and scalable quantum architecture.
• Infrastructure expansion includes a new quantum research lab and expanded graduate programs.
• Economic and community impact projected through industry partnerships, startup creation, and public outreach.
• Long‑term vision positions UNI as a key node in the national quantum internet and a training ground for the next generation of quantum scientists.

As the United States accelerates its investment in quantum technology, UNI’s Q-NEX project exemplifies how a regional university can become a national leader in cutting‑edge science, driving innovation that spans from secure data transmission to environmental monitoring and beyond.