One of the most exciting aspects of quantum computing is its potential to solve real-world problems that can’t be solved by classical computing. But without the algorithms and applications to run on them, quantum computers are just hardware. Developing that critical software is where the National Quantum Algorithm Center (NQAC) comes in.
The NQAC is a membership-based organization within the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) that connects end-users with quantum companies, academia, national labs and other partners to advance useful quantum algorithms and applications. Launched in July 2025, the NQAC is a one-stop shop where these stakeholders can develop, test and run algorithms and applications on the Park’s quantum hardware, while also engaging with each other to better understand the quantum advantage in their industry.
“We feel strongly about collaboration,” said Meera Raja, Senior Vice President of Deep Tech for P33. “What’s really special about the Park is the mix of people it brings together, from the diversity of quantum hardware companies to the quantum algorithm experts to the industry scientists. Each group brings a different perspective to the table on the seemingly intractable challenges to be solved and what the technology has to offer. When they work side by side, it creates an environment where people without a quantum background can start to explore how quantum might help tackle tough problems, while also building a clearer understanding of where there is or isn’t a real quantum advantage.”
Quantum advantage refers to whether or not quantum computing might be superior to classical computing in solving a specific computational problem. The algorithms and applications developed at the NQAC will ultimately determine that advantage, unlocking quantum’s full potential. The IQMP is one of the only places in the world where industry end-users can work directly with multiple quantum vendors who have multiple different hardware modalities, as they decide what algorithms to explore.
The NQAC is further strengthened by the depth and expertise of Illinois’ leading academic institutions. Its Grand Challenges program is an initiative designed to advance the development of quantum applications in critical areas where quantum computing can address society’s most pressing challenges by building three-way collaborations across academia, quantum companies and industry end-users.
The awards – funded by P33, Northwestern University and the Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign – support postdoctoral researchers advancing industry-relevant quantum algorithm research in close collaboration with IQMP quantum companies and partners. Awardees will work together to build clear pathways to translate quantum discoveries into practical, real-world solutions.
The idea of being “place-based” is also important. People can collaborate virtually, but having the engineers, computational scientists from various industries, researchers and quantum companies working together in person to workshop, learn and brainstorm is critical.
“We have only just scratched the surface of quantum computing applications for industry end-users,” Raja said. “The next step is to start building bridges between disciplines and scientists that haven’t worked together before.”
There is an incredible amount of potential value to unlock across industries, including health care, life sciences, financial services, insurance, energy, chemicals and logistics. For example, in the pharmaceutical sector, drug discovery is extremely hard, costly and time intensive because it’s currently difficult to model molecular properties of chemicals on classical computers. The industry is optimistic that quantum computing will enable the development of new medicines through the more accurate simulation of chemicals.
Algorithms are already helping to make advances in classical computing and AI, but they will be used in new ways to shape quantum’s future. Quantum computing is a new tool; the NQAC is working to help industries understand what it is and whether they are using it appropriately and for the right issues. Ultimately, though, it’s up to the industry end-user to decide if there’s business value.
The NQAC is encouraging industries to think beyond applications in isolation and build toward solutions that can unlock a major industrial or societal problem. At the same time, quantum researchers are encouraging companies to think about integrating quantum into their AI programs and investments as an extension of their existing work, and learn more about quantum overall.
As quantum computers continue to improve, now is a great time for organizations to become immersed and start understanding how the technology can be transformed through applications into real-world impact.
