I-Corps: Translation Potential of a Modular Topological Quantum Computing Platform

This I-Corps project is based on the development of a topological quantum computing platform, a type of quantum computer. This technology is cloud-ready and is designed to make emerging quantum computing capabilities more accessible, adaptable, and better able to address challenges that require computational capabilities that exceed the practical limits of conventional computers. This has the potential to support a broad range of commercial applications including faster discovery of medicines and materials, improved energy technologies, more efficient industrial processes, and enhanced optimization of complex systems by combining modular hardware, advanced computing methods, and cloud-based access. In addition, it uses a modular design that also may reduce barriers to adoption by allowing computing capabilities to expand incrementally as technology advances. This platform may facilitate the growth of the quantum technology industry, create opportunities for high-value manufacturing and software development, and strengthen the competitiveness of companies that depend on advanced computing. This I-Corps project utilizes experiential learning coupled with first-hand investigation of the industry ecosystem to assess the translation potential of a modular topological quantum computing platform. The goal of this technology is to improve the scalability, reliability, and fault tolerance of quantum information processing. The quantum computing architecture is designed to address limitations in scalability, fault-tolerance, and system integration that constrain existing quantum technologies. It includes the integration of modular quantum processing units, topological protection mechanisms, quantum algorithms, and cloud-accessible computational services into a scalable platform. This technology combines advances in topological quantum computing with systematic technology translation, establishing a pathway toward an adaptable, user-oriented platform for drug discovery, materials design, energy systems, and other computationally intensive applications. This may reduce error rates and enhance qubit stability for complex computational tasks. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.