University Joins UAH, Industry and Government Partners to Advance Quantum Science and Technology Across the Southeast

Alabama A&M University has joined the University of Alabama in Huntsville and leading industry partners as a founding member of the Southeastern Quantum Collaborative, a regional initiative designed to accelerate the advancement and application of quantum information science and technology across the Southeast.

University President Daniel K. Wims and President Chuck Karr from UAH, signed the founding membership agreement in December, formally positioning Alabama A&M among the institutions helping to shape the future of quantum research, workforce development and innovation in the region.

“As a founding member of the Southeastern Quantum Collaborative, Alabama A&M University confirms its position in scientific and technological advancements and strengthens its existence with this national priority. Outcomes in quantum computing and emerging quantum technologies will benefit our students, faculty and industry partners, further solidifying our role within workforce development initiatives,” said Dr. Daniel K. Wims, president.”

Launched by UAH, the Southeastern Quantum Collaborative officially began operations Jan. of this year. The initiative brings together academic institutions, industry partners and government organizations to strengthen the Southeast’s role as a national and global leader in quantum computing and emerging quantum technologies.

The collaborative is designed to leverage the region’s concentration of cleared defense infrastructure, advanced missile defense expertise and strong base of prime contractors to help transition quantum research into practical, field-ready capabilities. Early focus areas include quantum sensing, communications and networking, and quantum computation and algorithms.

In addition to UAH and Alabama A&M, founding members of the collaborative include IBM and Davidson Technologies. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Oak Ridge Associated Universities, IonQ and Leidos have committed to join as inaugural members.

“Alabama A&M University recognized the importance of Quantum Computing several years back. Our research scientists have been able to develop novel ideas in quantum computing and they were able to successfully receive funding from the National Science Foundation. Alabama A&M understands the importance of workforce development in quantum computing. Our faculty in collaboration with IBM, have been teaching quantum computing to our engineering students for several years. We are excited for the Southeastern Quantum Collaboration and look forward to working with all the partners,” said Majed Dweik, vice president, research and economic development.

UAH officials said the collaborative will also support industry partners through specialized expertise, training opportunities and workforce development, while creating pathways for collaborative research and competitive federal proposals. A governing board composed of representatives from member organizations will guide the collaborative’s strategic direction and ensure alignment with regional research priorities and emerging federal opportunities.

The Southeastern Quantum Collaborative is housed within the UAH College of Science and reflects growing national and international emphasis on quantum science as a strategic priority. Organizers point to recent global initiatives, including NATO’s approval of its first quantum strategy, as evidence of the field’s increasing importance to security, innovation and economic competitiveness.

Through its founding membership, Alabama A&M University will contribute faculty expertise, research capacity and student talent to the collaborative, strengthening partnerships that support cutting-edge discovery while expanding opportunities for students and researchers in one of the fastest-growing areas of science and technology.

“The faculty in the College of Engineering, Technology, and Physical Sciences is actively involved in quantum research, including studying quantum effects on black hole singularities and radiation, developing new cosmological models, and examining how quantum phenomena influence the performance of superconducting qubits. As a founding member of SQC, the college will expand research and educational opportunities and, most importantly, prepare our students in the rapidly evolving field of quantum computing,” said Dr. Zhengtao Deng, dean, College of Engineering, Technology and Physical Sciences.

Additional information about the Southeastern Quantum Collaborative and membership opportunities is available here.