The U.S. Department of Energy has renewed the Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems (SQMS) Center for another five years with $125 million in funding. Led by Fermilab, SQMS is one of five DOE National Quantum Information Science Research Centers established under the National Quantum Initiative. The center’s mission is to push the boundaries of quantum computing, sensing, and communication by developing ultra-high coherence superconducting technologies and scalable cryogenic systems. SQMS aims to deliver breakthroughs such as a 100-qudit SRF quantum processor and the first prototype for a quantum data center, laying the groundwork for a future quantum internet and quantum-centric supercomputing.
Ames National Laboratory plays a pivotal role in advancing quantum technologies through its contributions to the SQMS Center, a DOE-funded national hub for quantum research led by Fermilab. Ames researchers are at the forefront of materials science innovations that address quantum decoherence—one of the most critical challenges in quantum computing. By investigating atomic-level defects in superconducting materials and pioneering advanced imaging techniques, Ames scientists have helped improve qubit performance and coherence times. Their discoveries are reshaping our understanding of quantum behavior and enabling breakthroughs in quantum information storage and sensing. Through these efforts, Ames is helping build the foundation for scalable, resilient quantum systems and a future quantum internet.
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Fermilab’s SQMS Center funded with $125 million to shape the future of quantum information science