Over 300 attendees indicated strong momentum within the Midwest’s quantum research community at Entanglement 2026, the annual meeting of the Midwest Quantum Collaboratory. The collaborative has expanded from its original three founding universities to now include Indiana University, Washington University in St. Louis, The Ohio State University, the University of Illinois Chicago, and Northwestern University.
“The Entanglement meeting has become an important forum for bringing together the researchers, students, industry partners, and government stakeholders who are shaping the future of quantum science in the Midwest,” said Michael Manfra, Purdue’s Chief Quantum Officer and Director of the Purdue Quantum Science and Engineering Institute. This expansion deepens the MQC’s capacity for quantum research, education, and translating discoveries into practical technologies.
Expansion of Midwest Quantum Collaboratory to Eight Universities
The Midwest Quantum Collaboratory now encompasses a network of eight universities following the recent addition of Indiana University, Washington University in St. Louis, and The Ohio State University. Mackillo Kira, Director of MQC and professor of electrical engineering and computer science at the University of Michigan, stated that growing from three founding institutions to eight member universities strengthens MQC’s ability to connect regional expertise, share research infrastructure, develop quantum talent, and build the partnerships needed to position the Midwest as a national leader in quantum science and engineering.
The collaborative’s growth addresses a critical need for concentrated effort; building successful quantum centers requires critical masses exceeding the resources of any single university. The meeting provided a forum for researchers, industry members, and government agencies to network and exchange ideas, with overviews of ongoing quantum efforts at each MQC university highlighting existing initiatives and expertise.
Breakout sessions focused on strategies for enhanced collaboration and solidifying the Midwest’s position as a leading quantum ecosystem. The MQC’s expansion is not merely about increasing numbers, but about forging a cohesive regional force in quantum technology. “We were the starting point to create a strong quantum photonic presence,” said Kira, “and now there are about 300 researchers plus students in this consortium, between the eight universities.” He added that the consortium could be thought of as the Big 10 of quantum.
This interconnectedness facilitates shared infrastructure, coordinated research, and a pipeline of skilled quantum professionals. The collaboratory’s focus extends to developing and utilizing quantum superposition and quantum entanglement as resources for future technologies, aiming to address global challenges and reinforce the United States’ position in this rapidly evolving field.
The Entanglement meeting has become an important forum for bringing together the researchers, students, industry partners, and government stakeholders who are shaping the future of quantum science in the Midwest.
Michael Manfra, Purdue’s Chief Quantum Officer and Director of the Purdue Quantum Science and Engineering Institute
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