The Department of Energy’s Los Alamos National Laboratory has established a new center that aims to unify and expand its quantum research capabilities across national security, quantum computer science, quantum algorithms and workforce development.
As federal research organizations continue to advance cutting-edge computing capabilities, government and industry leaders are closely watching how innovation is reshaping the public sector. The Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Digital Transformation Summit offers a forum to explore how agencies are navigating technological change and modernization across missions. Book your spot at this April 22 event!
Table of Contents
What Initiatives Will the LANL Quantum Computing Center Support?
LANL said Tuesday the Center for Quantum Computing will support a range of state, federal and defense-focused initiatives and bring together up to three dozen quantum researchers from across the lab.
The center is expected to support LANL researchers who are engaged in several programs, such as the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative, DOE’s Quantum Science Center and the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Advanced Simulation and Computing program, including its Beyond Moore’s Law project.
Headquartered in downtown Los Alamos, New Mexico, the facility will also host a 10-week fellowship program, called the Quantum Computing Summer School, designed to provide undergraduate and graduate students with instruction in core quantum computing concepts and hands-on experience using commercial quantum computers. The program enrolls up to 25 students each year.
What Did the LANL Leadership Say About the New Center?
Mark Chadwick, associate laboratory director for simulation, computing and theory, said the center will combine LANL’s quantum computing capabilities in support of DOE, the Department of War and New Mexico state initiatives.
“This development highlights our commitment to supporting the next generation of U.S. scientific and technological innovation in quantum computing, especially as the technology can support key Los Alamos missions,” Chadwick added.
Carleton Coffrin, the lab’s quantum science coordinator, emphasized the collaborative benefits of the new center.
“I am thrilled to see these quantum computing teams coming together under one roof,” said Coffrin. “Each team is arguably world-leading in their specific domain expertise. An environment that fosters further collaboration and united effort will no doubt help our quantum computing teams achieve amazing things.”
What Other Quantum Initiatives Is DOE Advancing?
LANL’s quantum efforts are part of a broader DOE push to advance quantum information science across the U.S. research ecosystem. In November, DOE announced $625 million in funding to renew its five National Quantum Information Science Research Centers.
In December, the department’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory announced a memorandum of understanding with Purdue University to expand their research partnership in areas such as quantum computing, artificial intelligence and cyber-physical security of critical infrastructure and systems.
Related Articles
House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers, R-Ala., said he is seeking $450 billion in defense funding through an upcoming reconciliation bill and preparing to use the fiscal year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act to expand the defense industrial base, Breaking Defense reported Wednesday. In an exclusive interview with the publication, Rogers said he is coordinating with Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker, R-Miss., to secure the funding and has already informed congressional leadership of the plan. Why Is the $450B in Reconciliation Funding Important to the FY27 Defense Plan? According to Rogers, the $450 billion figure is required
The Government Accountability Office has called on the Department of State’s chief information officer to address 95 open recommendations related to cybersecurity and IT acquisition and management. In a report published Wednesday, the congressional watchdog said implementing the recommendations will enable the State Department to deter threats, improve programs, save taxpayer dollars and ensure compliance with relevant regulations. Explore the advanced technologies that agencies are using to modernize processes at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Digital Transformation Summit on April 22. At the event, you will hear directly from government and industry leaders about ongoing initiatives and future strategies to
The U.S. Coast Guard is finalizing delivery activities for its 18th mission-ready HC-130J long-range surveillance aircraft, marking continued progress in expanding and modernizing its fixed-wing aviation fleet. The aircraft, designated CGNR 2018, is undergoing final delivery steps at L3Harris’ integrated mission systems facility in Waco, Texas, the Coast Guard said Wednesday. Upon acceptance, the aircraft will support the Coast Guard’s planned transition of Air Station Sacramento, California, from C-27J aircraft to the HC-130J platform later this year—the first expansion of HC-130J operations beyond the service’s current hubs in Elizabeth City, North Carolina; Kodiak, Alaska; and Barbers Point, Hawaii. The Coast