The University of Utah convened faculty, students, postdoctoral scholars, industry partners, and national leaders in science and engineering for its Quantum Science & Technology Symposium on April 24 in the Crocker Science Center. The daylong event highlighted the university’s growing momentum in quantum research and its commitment to building interdisciplinary collaborations in one of the most strategically important fields of the 21st century.
Collaboratively organized by the Office of the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Office of the Vice President for Research, the College of Science, the John and Marcia Price College of Engineering, and the Quantum Research Working Group, the symposium brought together experts spanning quantum chemistry, quantum physics, and quantum engineering. The program was designed to connect the University of Utah community with world-leading researchers while accelerating new opportunities for discovery and partnership.
Quantum science focuses on the behavior of matter and energy at the atomic and subatomic level, where particles can exhibit properties unlike anything seen in everyday life. Those phenomena are enabling new generations of technologies—from ultra-secure communications and powerful new computers to advanced sensors, precision timing systems, and novel materials with transformative commercial and national security applications.
“Quantum science is reshaping what’s possible, driving new frontiers in innovation, strengthening our economy, and advancing national security. For Utah, this is a moment to lead,” said Taylor Randall, president of the University of Utah, “We are bringing together talent, partnership, and discovery to help define this next era and translate it into real impact for our state and beyond.”
The symposium featured keynote presentations from three distinguished scholars: Ashok Ajoy of the University of California, Berkeley; Andrea Young of the University of California, Santa Barbara; and Scott Diddams of the University of Colorado Boulder. Their talks highlighted major advances in quantum sensing, advanced materials, precision metrology, and the expanding real-world applications of quantum technologies.
The morning sessions showcased the University of Utah’s strengths in quantum chemistry, advanced materials, and computational discovery. Faculty presentations highlighted how quantum algorithms can transform molecular modeling, how engineered materials can unlock new spin and electronic states, and how autonomous laboratories powered by robotics and artificial intelligence can accelerate the search for next-generation quantum materials. Together, these efforts demonstrated Utah’s ability to connect foundational science with scalable technological applications.
“The University of Utah has multiple strengths in quantum research—from chemistry and materials discovery to physics, engineering, sensing, and advanced computing. What makes this moment so exciting is our ability to bring these capabilities together in powerful new ways.” — Mitzi Montoya, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
Midday sessions emphasized the university’s depth in quantum physics, condensed matter science, and theoretical discovery. Presentations explored quantum materials, nanoscale systems, extreme-environment physics, correlated electron behavior, and room-temperature spin-based sensing. The breadth of topics underscored Utah’s capacity to contribute across both experimental and theoretical frontiers of modern physics.
The afternoon program turned to quantum engineering, devices, and translation to real-world systems. Researchers discussed ultra-fast superconducting architectures, MEMS-enabled quantum sensors, quantum hardware resilience in radiation environments, and software tools that improve the performance of emerging quantum computers. These areas reflect the university’s growing ability to move quantum ideas from laboratory concepts toward deployable technologies.
Beyond the laboratory, quantum research is increasingly recognized as a strategic priority for the state of Utah. As industries nationwide invest in advanced computing, secure communications, precision sensing, and next-generation manufacturing, quantum technologies are expected to drive significant economic activity and create high-demand workforce opportunities. With its combination of research excellence, entrepreneurial culture, and technology ecosystem, Utah is well positioned to compete in this rapidly expanding sector.
“This symposium is about more than a single day of programming, it is about organizing talent, building connections, and driving research growth,” said Erin Rothwell, Vice President for Research. “When we bring our community together around strategic areas like quantum, we create the foundation for new partnerships, competitive proposals, and long-term success.”
Interactive elements such as Quantum Jeopardy, laboratory tours, networking sessions, lunch discussions, and a closing reception created additional opportunities for faculty, trainees, and external partners to forge collaborations across disciplines.
“Quantum progress requires a commitment to the Radical Inclusion principle we utilize at Silicon Slopes Quantum: bringing together researchers, industry leaders, and innovators to solve our most complex challenges,” said Sumit Parashar Chair, Silicon Slopes Quantum, Co-Founder, UtahQuantum.org, Co-host Entangled.Show, and CEO, BODEX. “By breaking down silos, we accelerate the translation of foundational science – such as room-temperature qubit stability into the scalable technologies required to navigate the ‘Quantum Cliff’. When we connect ideas across disciplines, we create a secure, foundational Infrastructure that no single organization could build alone.”
As quantum technologies continue to reshape industries ranging from medicine to cybersecurity, the University of Utah is investing in the people, infrastructure, and partnerships needed to emerge as a national leader in this rapidly evolving field.
