The Institute for Matter and Systems (IMS) at Georgia Tech, together with the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI), has announced the creation of the Georgia Tech Quantum Applications Research Center – known as GT QuARC. This interdisciplinary hub is intended to knit together the campus’s extensive quantum expertise, broaden strategic alliances, and speed the translation of quantum science into usable technologies.
GT QuARC is co-directed by Martin Mourigal Dunn Family Professor in the School of Physics, and Robert Wyllie chief of the Quantum System Division in GTRI’s CIPHER lab. Both leaders stress that quantum advances now hinge on collaboration across disciplines, and their joint vision is to turn fundamental discoveries into practical tools for computing, sensing, communications and national security.
Co-directors steer GT QuARC toward real-world quantum impact
“Quantum technologies are rapidly moving from scientific theory toward practical application,” says Julia Kubanek, vice president of Interdisciplinary Research. She highlights Georgia Tech’s breadth in atomic physics, materials science, engineering, computing, photonics, sensing and advanced manufacturing as the foundation for the center’s agenda. Mourigal adds that identifying meaningful applications and fostering dialogue among researchers, industry and government are essential steps to ensure quantum breakthroughs reach the sectors that need them most.
Wyllie echoes this sentiment, noting that “quantum breakthroughs happen at the intersection of disciplines.” By pooling resources from both Georgia Tech and GTRI, the center aims to build a more robust platform for innovation, from early-stage materials research to large-scale system integration.
Three research thrusts define GT QuARC’s roadmap
Quantum building blocks and enabling technologies
This first thrust concentrates on the creation and manipulation of quantum states. Efforts will focus on quantum materials device architectures, advanced fabrication methods, control electronics and high-resolution characterization tools. The goal is to generate reliable “building blocks” that can be assembled into larger quantum systems.
Quantum systems and manufacturing testbeds
Once foundational components are mature, the center will integrate them into scalable platforms for quantum sensing, computing, communication and simulation. Shared testbeds and manufacturing capabilities will provide a sandbox where prototypes can be evaluated, iterated, and moved toward production-grade viability.
Quantum computing, algorithms, and applications
The final thrust marries hardware with software, pursuing pure quantum and hybrid quantum-classical algorithms aimed at challenges in scientific discovery, industry optimization, and national-security missions. By coupling algorithmic development with real-world problem sets, GT QuARC hopes to demonstrate tangible benefits of quantum acceleration.
Collaboration, education and infrastructure fuel the center’s growth
Beyond research, GT QuARC will serve as a unifying identity for Georgia Tech’s quantum community. The center plans to expand hands-on learning opportunities, link students with emerging careers, and deepen partnerships with industry, government agencies and national labs. Infrastructure upgrades—such as state-of-the-art characterization labs, micro- and nano-fabrication facilities, and access to leading quantum computers—will underpin both discovery and translation.
Executive director of IMS Eric Vogel notes that the center “provides a framework for bringing together Georgia Tech’s quantum expertise and building the partnerships needed to advance both scientific discovery and real-world impact.” With its three-pronged research agenda and a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, GT QuARC positions Georgia Tech as a leading force in turning quantum theory into technologies that address national priorities and societal challenges.
