COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – The South Carolina Quantum Association (SCQA) launched its initiative Friday at its Five Points headquarters on Saluda Avenue.
The launch follows a $15 million investment from the state legislature into quantum computing.
The funds are set to be used to provide public benefits across the following areas:
•Education (workforce development, certificate and micro-credential programs)
•Entrepreneurship (settling technologies and supporting entrepreneurs)
•Engagement (convening of experts, demonstration projects)
Quantum technology, an emerging field of engineering and physics that looks at sub-atomic particles, could streamline and automate complex problems. With applications from healthcare imaging, to streamlined communication to artificial intelligence, the sector is growing. Many stakeholders want South Carolina to become a quantum-smart workforce.
The U.S. government named quantum an “Industry of the future.” In 2022, the government committed more than $1.2 billion to quantum research and development budgets.
“South Carolina can and should be a destination for quantum research and commercialization,” said SC Quantum’s Executive Director Joe Queenan. “We believe unprecedented collaboration can inspire technical discoveries that transform our region’s economy and make SC the most dynamic and globally competitive destination for quantum discovery, education, and entrepreneurship.”
SCQA intends to champion the advancement of quantum technology in South Carolina by supporting technical discoveries from labs to markets, selling quantum technologies and entrepreneurs with a modern support infrastructure and making the Palmetto State a destination for researchers and innovators.
The launch was attended by SCQA Executive Director Joe Queenan, South Carolina Senator Dick Harpootlian, Mayor of Columbia Daniel Rickenmann and Richland County Council Chair Jesica Mackey.
“SC Quantum is putting South Carolina ahead of the curve,” Harpootlian said. “Columbia, South Carolina could be a major hub of innovation for this technology that is rapidly growing in use across the globe.”
Officials said other benefits of this project will include positioning the southeast as a destination for corporate and government quantum initiatives, strengthening South Carolina’s economy by advancing America’s leadership in Quantum Information Science, and building sustainable, entrepreneur-led economic growth across the state.
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