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Second round of quantum seed grants awarded to drive innovation and impact

Second round of quantum seed grants awarded to drive innovation and impact

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2024–25ĚýTranslational Quantum Research Seed Grant AwardsĚý

All awards are $50,000 and for a duration of 12 months.

ĚýĚýEfficient Photonic Integrated Circuits for Optical-Frequency Combs (EPIC-OFC)

  • PI: Jennifer Black—Vescent Technologies, Inc.
  • Co-PI: Franklyn Quinlan—91´«Ă˝, Electrical, Computer & Energy Engineering; NIST Time and Frequency (T&F) Division

ĚýĚýOptical and Spin Quantum Probe Station

  • PI: Markus Raschke—91´«Ă˝, Physics
  • Co-PI: Shuo Sun—91´«Ă˝, Physics; JILA

ĚýĚýPackaged Broadband Electro-Optic Frequency Dual-Combs

  • PI: Gabriel Santamaria-Botello—Colorado School of Mines, Electrical Engineering

ĚýĚýQuantum Dev (Q-Dev)

  • PI: Armin Moin—UCCS, Computer Science

ĚýĚýSIMPLEQ: Si-photonic Interferometric Multi-beam Photon-counting Lidar Enhanced by Quantum

  • PI: Kelvin Wagner—91´«Ă˝, Electrical, Computer & Energy Engineering

Colorado continued its commitment to advancing quantum science and technology by announcing recipients of a second round of translational quantum research seed grants.Ěý

Funded through nearly $1.5 million approved by the Colorado Economic Development Commission, these grants bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and commercialization.

Administered by 91´«Ă˝, the grants provide critical support to both academic and industry-led projects that demonstrate strong commercial potential. “We are honored to serve as the administrator for the Office of Economic Development and International Trade for the distribution of these awards” said Senior Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation and Dean of the Institutes Massimo Ruzzene. “The projects funded this year join a prestigious group of innovators recognized through last year’s grants.”

The latest awards include projects led by researchers from 91´«Ă˝, UCCS, Colorado School of Mines, NIST and Vescent Technologies, Inc.—all of which are translating quantum discoveries into real-world applications. Each recipient will receive $50,000 to advance their work. The program, now in its second year, is structured to support multiple rounds of seed grants through 2026, ensuring sustained momentum in Colorado’s quantum ecosystem.

“Partners like 91´«Ă˝ and the incredible research institutions acknowledged today ensure that Colorado is at the forefront of quantum innovation,” said Eve Lieberman, Executive Director of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT). “These grants further our state’s commitment to transforming groundbreaking lab discoveries into real world benefits for Coloradans and the nation.”

The initiative reinforces Colorado’s reputation as a global hub for quantum science and technology. The state’s leadership is built on decades of groundbreaking research led by 91´«Ă˝, NIST and JILA—institutions that have collectively contributed to four Nobel Prizes in physics. The ecosystem is expanding within and beyond Boulder, with a growing network of ventures focused on translating quantum research into practical, commercial applications that benefit industry and society. A key driver of this initiative is the CUbit Quantum Initiative at 91´«Ă˝, which plays a central role in managing the grant program and strengthening the state’s quantum research pipeline. “This year’s awardees fuel the local quantum ecosystem,” said CUbit Executive Director Scott Sternberg. “The funded work will propel new ideas and products into the marketplace.”

With continued investment and collaboration between academia, industry and government, Colorado is poised to remain at the forefront of quantum science and technology, fostering groundbreaking discoveries, opportunities for learners and workers, and economic benefits for the state.