As the world inches closer to harnessing the power of quantum technology, a crucial question emerges: how can manufacturers position themselves to produce the components and parts needed for this innovative tech? David Boulay, director of the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC), posed this query to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). His inquiry coincided with Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker’s proposal to allocate $500 million towards advancing quantum technology, including a state-of-the-art quantum campus.
Key players in moving quantum tech forward include the Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C), SRI, an American nonprofit scientific research institute, and the Chicago Quantum Exchange (CQE). Quantum technology encompasses computing, sensors, and communication, with potential applications in drug discovery, materials science, financial modeling, and more. To make these technologies widely available, a robust supply chain is necessary, relying on specialized instruments to manipulate and measure quantum systems.
Building a Robust Quantum Technology Supply Chain
The development of quantum technology has sparked significant interest and investment in recent years, with Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker proposing a $500 million allocation towards its advancement. This emerging technology has the potential to unlock new areas of large-scale research and development, leading to innovative business applications. However, building a robust supply chain for quantum instrumentation is crucial to support its production.
Quantum technology encompasses various categories, including quantum computing, sensors, and communication. These technologies rely on specialized instruments that require a strong manufacturing base to produce. The United States is competing to develop these technologies, and a robust supply chain is seen as a strategic advantage. David Boulay, director of the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC), recognized the importance of building a quantum technology supply chain. He turned to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for guidance.
The Role of MATTR in Bridging the Gap between Labs and Manufacturers
One of the significant challenges faced by U.S. manufacturers is developing or adopting technological innovations in a cost-effective manner. Research and development can be expensive and time-consuming, often resulting in technology that confirms proof of concept but lacks scalability. This is where the MEP-Assisted Technology and Technical Resource (MATTR) service comes into play.
The MATTR service acts as a bridge between manufacturers and NIST labs. It provides access to technical expertise in areas such as materials research. This includes additive manufacturing and emerging technologies like quantum computing. By leveraging this expertise, manufacturers can identify potential roadblocks in scaling up production. They can also receive technical insights on designing and implementing processes that meet future growth demands.
In the case of Boulay’s inquiry, MATTR helped articulate what it would take to create capabilities. They also helped reorganize existing ones to build or supply parts for laser systems, insulators, and liquid helium for bio-coolers needed for quantum technologies. This understanding is crucial in building a robust supply chain for quantum instrumentation.
Mapping Capabilities and Understanding the Supply Chain
IMEC works with key stakeholders. These include the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Intersect Illinois, and World Business Chicago. They aim to understand the supply chain required for quantum computing. This effort involves mapping capabilities, identifying component parts, and determining what it would take to make them.
Prototyping quantum instrumentation involves design, fabrication, characterization, assembly, packaging, testing, and validation. However, the technology itself is a new territory. Facilities that support researchers are not ideal for establishing reproducible, manufacturable, and scalable products and processes.
A key step moving forward is identifying which manufacturers could be engineering redesigns and making investments to become part of the quantum instrumentation supply chain. By doing so, the United States can establish a strong manufacturing base. This would provide a strategic advantage in the development of quantum technologies.
The Future of Quantum Technology Supply Chain Development
The development of a robust quantum technology supply chain is crucial for the advancement of this emerging technology. By leveraging expertise from NIST labs through MATTR and mapping capabilities, manufacturers can position themselves to take advantage of this emerging opportunity.
The United States continues to compete in the development of quantum technologies. Building a strong manufacturing base will be essential. This will require continued investment in research and development. Stakeholders will need to collaborate to establish a robust supply chain. By doing so, the country can unlock new areas of innovation. This will lead to groundbreaking business applications. It will also cement its position as a leader in this emerging technology.
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