The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Technology Commercialization has facilitated a partnership between Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and Qblox to scale manufacturing and distribution of the Quantum Instrumentation Control Kit (QICK) within the United States. Developed at Fermilab since 2021, QICK is a 32 RF/DC channel, open-source platform designed to synchronize quantum processors and sensors, currently utilized by a community of approximately 500 users across national labs, academia, and industry. Qblox will coordinate U.S. manufacturing, distribution, and support, bolstering the quantum computing workforce and enabling broader access to this foundational technology for advancing quantum computing, sensing, and networking capabilities.
DOE and Partners Advance Quantum Instrumentation
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is partnering with Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and Qblox to boost domestic quantum technology development. This collaboration focuses on the Quantum Instrumentation Control Kit (QICK), an open-source platform vital for synchronizing quantum processors and sensors. QICK, already utilized by around 500 users across national labs, academia, and industry, will now benefit from Qblox’s manufacturing, distribution, and support capabilities – expanding its reach and impact on the growing quantum ecosystem.
This partnership isn’t just about scaling up production; it’s about workforce development. Qblox will handle training and support, while Fermilab continues scientific advancements to QICK, including recent upgrades like version 2.0 featuring a new core processor for improved quantum control. The goal is to create a “Made-in-the-USA” platform, strengthening America’s quantum infrastructure and cultivating a skilled talent pool to maintain its leadership in this critical field.
Formalized through a Letter of Intent and planned Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA), this collaboration establishes a scalable public-private model. It ensures key components of the quantum supply chain are developed and manufactured domestically, representing a significant investment in U.S. quantum capabilities. This move aligns with DOE’s broader strategy to accelerate the transition of quantum technologies from research to practical applications.
QICK Platform: Development and Key Features
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced a partnership between Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and Qblox to scale production and distribution of the Quantum Instrumentation Control Kit (QICK). Developed at Fermilab beginning in 2021, QICK is a fully integrated, 32-channel platform designed to synchronize quantum processors and sensors. Currently utilized by roughly 500 users across U.S. national labs, academia, and industry, this collaboration aims to broaden accessibility and bolster the quantum computing workforce – a crucial step for U.S. leadership in the field.
QICK’s core functionality lies in its ability to manage quantum readouts and controls, acting as a foundational technology for the evolving quantum ecosystem. The platform’s open-source nature has driven its adoption, and recent updates, including version 2.0 with a new core processor, enhance its capabilities. Qblox will now coordinate manufacturing, distribution, and supply chain operations within the U.S., ensuring a “Made-in-the-USA” platform to strengthen domestic quantum infrastructure and innovation.
This partnership signifies a scalable model for public-private collaboration, formalized through a Letter of Intent and progressing towards a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA). By bridging the gap between research and production, the DOE, Fermilab, and Qblox are actively supporting the development of interoperable quantum systems. This initiative isn’t just about technological advancement, but also about cultivating a skilled talent pool and cementing the U.S. position as a global leader in quantum technology.
Scaling Quantum Technology Through Collaboration
A new partnership between the U.S. Department of Energy’s Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) and Qblox aims to scale quantum technology through broadened access to critical tools. Fermilab developed the Quantum Instrumentation Control Kit (QICK), an open-source platform with 32 RF/DC channels essential for synchronizing quantum processors and sensors. Now, Qblox will handle U.S. manufacturing, distribution, and support of QICK, reaching a wider audience beyond national labs and academia – a key step toward building a robust quantum ecosystem.
This collaboration isn’t just about hardware; it’s a strategic move to strengthen the U.S. quantum workforce. Qblox’s involvement facilitates a “Made-in-the-USA” platform, enabling training and skill development alongside increased accessibility. The QICK kit already boasts a community of around 500 users, and this partnership anticipates significantly expanding that number, addressing a crucial bottleneck in scaling quantum computing capabilities and fostering innovation.
Formalized through a Letter of Intent, leading to a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA), this public-private partnership demonstrates a scalable model for quantum technology advancement. Recent upgrades to QICK, including new software and a core processor, highlight ongoing development. This collaboration ensures key elements of the quantum supply chain are built domestically, positioning the U.S. as a global leader in this rapidly evolving field.
