Davidson signs as founding member of Southeast Quantum Collaborative
- rikkiklaus
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Huntsville, Ala. – Today, Davison Technologies, along with three other founding members, signed an agreement at the University of Alabama in Huntsville to advance quantum technologies across the region. The Southeastern Quantum Collaborative is a first-of-its-kind initiative with The University of Alabama in Huntsville, IBM and Alabama A&M University.
The Southeastern Quantum Collaborative is a first-of-its-kind initiative with The University of Alabama in Huntsville, IBM and Alabama A&M University.
“The challenges of quantum science are too big for any single institution,” said Dr. Charles Karr, UAH President.
The university’s College of Science, which formed the Collaborative, says the group’s initial focus will be quantum computing, specifically quantum sensing, communications and networking, and computation and algorithms.
“Quantum computing is a critical technology for the future of national security,” said James Lackey, Chief Operating Officer at Davidson. “For Davidson, the focus is on practical application—how quantum-enabled optimization and computing can help the warfighter evaluate complex options faster and make higher-quality decisions in contested environments.”
The collaborative team hopes to grow the quantum workforce, attract funding and take emerging technologies out of the lab and into the real world.
It plans to host expert talks, quantum technology roundtables and networking sessions across government, tech and academia.
“SQC offers a valuable platform for dialogue and collaboration across the quantum ecosystem,” said Lackey.
The Collaborative’s goal is to transform the Southeast into a global quantum computing leader.
“Huntsville has led transformational technology shifts before—from aviation and missiles to space,” said Joe Kuenzli, IBM Defense & Intel/Senior Huntsville Site Executive. “Quantum is the next frontier, and this region is uniquely positioned to lead through the convergence of federal missions, industry innovation, and academic research.”
“National and international efforts illustrate the strategic importance of quantum science,” said Dr. Rainer Steinwandt, Dean of the UAH College of Science and Executive Director of the SQC. “For instance, NATO approved its first quantum strategy last year, aiming at the Alliance's quantum-readiness. The unique combination of universities, industry, and defense expertise in the Southeast gives us a platform to accelerate quantum breakthroughs that matter.”
Several inaugural members plan to join the SQC, including Leidos, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Oak Ridge Associated Universities and IonQ.
The Collaborative officially kicks off on January 1.
