Original Article by Research Impact at Ohio State

The Ohio State University has joined the Midwest Quantum Collaboratory (MQC), a coalition of leading research universities dedicated to advancing quantum science, technology, education and workforce development across the Midwest. 

Ohio State was officially welcomed as a new member during Entanglement 2026, the MQC’s annual meeting, and brings its membership to eight premier research institutions significantly broadening the region's collective quantum capabilities.

"For Ohio State, joining the Midwest Quantum Collaboratory represents an important opportunity to amplify the impact of our extraordinary quantum research through strategic regional partnerships," said John M. Horack, vice president for research at Ohio State. "By working alongside our peer institutions in the Midwest, we can accelerate discovery, expand opportunities for our students and strengthen the nation's quantum innovation ecosystem." 

Ohio State brings significant strengths around computing, sensing, and networking communications to MQC. These strengths are anchored by university, federal and state investments, including the recent launch of the university-wide Center for Quantum Information Science and Engineering (CQISE). This hub unites researchers across physics, engineering, mathematics, chemistry and computer science.

"MQC creates a powerful framework for connecting the extraordinary quantum expertise that exists across the Midwest," said Ezekiel Johnston-Halperin, co-director of CQISE and professor of physics. "Ohio State's strengths in quantum computing, sensing and secure communications complement those of our partner institutions.”

Some other recent investments include:

• Ohio State is leading a multi-institutional consortium that secured a $4 million National Science Foundation Phase II award through the National Quantum Virtual Laboratory (NQVL) program to advance next-generation quantum sensing. Ohio State is partnering with the University of Michigan, also a MQC member, on a second award through this program. 
• Ohio State researchers have demonstrated the first quantum key distribution (QKD) link on Ohio State’s campus using in-ground optical fiber.  Researchers are also working on Ohio’s first intercity quantum network that will establish a quantum-secure network between Columbus and Dayton. These projects are supported by the U.S. Department of Education and the Ohio Department of Higher Education through the Third Frontier Research Initiative.
• The university is launching the Quantum Graduate Interdisciplinary Program (QuGIP), one of the first stand-alone MS/PhD programs in Quantum Information Science and Engineering in the United States.  This work is supported by funding from the National Science Foundation.

“As part of the MQC, it allows our research community to pursue larger-scale research opportunities and create pathways that accelerate scientific breakthroughs while developing the next generation of quantum leaders," said Ronald M. Reano, co-director of CQISE and professor of electrical and computer engineering.

Ohio State joins other leading academic institutions, including Purdue University, University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Indiana University, Washington University in St. Louis, the University of Illinois Chicago, and Northwestern University.