Fermilab Joins Microsoft Quantum's Maryland Makerspace Push
The Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory has joined Microsoft Quantum as an initial partner in a new Maryland quantum hardware makerspace. This collaboration aims to expand the QICK platform, which is a key tool for researchers working with quantum-control technologies.
Fermilab plans to keep QICK open source so users across academia, national laboratories, and industry can use the platform to train the quantum workforce and develop applications.
This partnership builds on recent efforts to expand QICK beyond its origins as a laboratory-developed research tool. In November 2025, Fermilab partnered with quantum technology company Qblox to manufacture and distribute QICK in the United States.
The U.S. Department of Energy is also increasing support for quantum research, computing, and hardware development. This includes over $320 million in funding for 217 university and industry projects announced in June 2026.