About the Columbia Quantum Initiative
The Columbia Quantum Initiative is Taking Control
In the first half of the 20th century, the first quantum revolution gave us a new way of thinking about the way the world works and brought us technologies such as lasers, MRI machines, and the transistors that underpin all aspects of modern life. Today, the second quantum revolution is underway, and it’s all about control.
The coming generation of quantum technologies will be built on new physical principles and demand new materials, new methods of investigation, and new collaborations. At Columbia, we’re tackling these demands together and training the next generation of quantum scientists and entrepreneurs.
Building on the collaborative culture long fostered at Columbia, the Quantum Initiative is combining interdisciplinary expertise in materials science, photonics, quantum theory, and more, all while taking advantage of our unique position in the global hub that is New York to develop novel quantum technologies that will open new frontiers into how we compute through complex problems, communicate with one another, and sense the world around us.
Our Research
Columbia’s quantum researchers pursue curiosity-driven basic research into the quantum world, from photons to atoms and molecules to quantum materials and devices.
We're merging scientific disciplines, using state-of-the-art materials synthesis & structures fabrication approaches, and building bespoke instruments to investigate quantum phenomena. Our collaborative efforts across several quantum research themes are beginning to yield new quantum devices with applications in computers, communications, energy, finance, health, and climate.
Learn more about our Research.
Our People
We're a vibrant group of physicists, chemists, engineers, computer scientists, mathematicians, and more.
Building on a long, collaborative history at Columbia that facilitates a seamless flow of ideas and people, the members of the Columbia Quantum Initiative work across disciplines to learn how to control the quantum world with exquisite precision and sensitivity.
Our Partners
Our work is done against the backdrop of one of the most diverse and dynamic cities in the world: New York.
In New York, you won’t just find Columbia. Here, nestled among a world-class hub for technology, finance, and healthcare, we are working to forge partnerships with established industry and emerging start-ups, while our academic collaborations span the city, the country, and the world.
In a virtuous cycle of pushing the cutting edge of research and exploring real-world applications, our research at Columbia and our partnerships in New York—and beyond—will take the latest quantum science out of the lab and into the world.