Fermilab
Fermilab is America's particle physics and accelerator national laboratory, federally funded through the DOE Office of Science and operated by Fermi Forward Discovery Group. It conducts fundamental research in neutrino science, quantum computing, and AI-enabled discovery for global scientific collaborations spanning 50+ countries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1967
- HeadquartersBatavia, United States
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Fermilab does
Fermilab (Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory) is the United States' particle physics and accelerator national laboratory, established in 1967 and operated by Fermi Forward Discovery Group, LLC under contract to the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science. The laboratory executes fundamental research in high-energy physics, neutrino science, quantum information science, and AI-enabled scientific discovery from a 6,800-acre main campus in Batavia, Illinois, and a secondary detector site at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in Lead, South Dakota. Its flagship infrastructure program, the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment at the Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility, transmits a neutrino beam 800 miles from Illinois to South Dakota and involves 1,500+ scientists from 35+ countries, alongside 4,000+ members in the CMS experiment at CERN.
The laboratory's core technological portfolio centers on superconducting radio-frequency accelerators (including the 215-meter PIP-II linac), multi-ton liquid-argon neutrino detectors, quantum information systems (anchored by the SQMS Center), and the Fermi Data Platform managing 800+ petabytes of scientific data. Adjacent capabilities include the XCOM low-latency mesh network (100-picosecond synchronization, sub-185-nanosecond latency), the open-source QICK quantum control kit used by 500+ scientists, superconducting microwire single-photon detectors co-developed with Caltech and NASA JPL, and electron-beam PFAS water treatment systems under development with the U.S. Air Force and Army Corps of Engineers.
Fermilab does not sell products or services commercially. Revenue is derived entirely from federal appropriations: base DOE Office of Science funding for ongoing research programs; major project funding (notably $5 billion for DUNE/LBNF, $260 million Inflation Reduction Act tranche, and $625 million across the National Quantum Information Science Research Centers program); and supplemental technology transfer income through licensing, Strategic Partnership Projects, and Cooperative Research and Development Agreements with industry. The laboratory serves a global scientific customer base via hosted international collaborations, and engages the broader public through educational programs, Saturday Morning Physics, university partnerships (including a new Master of Science in Physics program with Northern Illinois University), and a community-led outreach operation across social media, public tours, and the Lederman Science Center.
Fermilab firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Fermilab
- Legal name
- Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
- Website
- https://fnal.gov
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1967
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Short description
- Fermilab is America's particle physics and accelerator national laboratory, federally funded through the DOE Office of Science and operated by Fermi Forward Discovery Group. It conducts fundamental research in neutrino science, quantum computing, and AI-enabled discovery for global scientific collaborations spanning 50+ countries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Fermilab industry classification
Industry- Product category
- National Particle Physics Research Laboratory
- NAICS
- Research and Development in Nanotechnology (541713)
- SIC
- Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Quantum Materials, Qubits & Device Physics Research (HDAGAMAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Quantum Software Integration & DevOps (CI/CD, MLOps-style pipelines) (HDAGACAI), Quantum Control, Cryogenics & Measurement Research (HDAGAMAC), Quantum Education, Workforce Development & Academic Centers (HDAGAMAM)
Keywords
Where Fermilab is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Batavia
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Fermilab business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- U.S. Department of Energy Funding: As a DOE national laboratory, Fermilab receives government funding through the Department of Energy Office of Science for fundamental research programs including neutrino science, particle physics, accelerator technology, and quantum information science. Funding comes through competitive grant programs and established project funding.
- Major Project Funding: Large-scale project funding for specific initiatives such as the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment ($5 billion), DUNE construction, PIP-II accelerator construction, and Inflation Reduction Act funding ($260 million for infrastructure)
- Quantum Research Center Funding: Renewed funding for SQMS Center at $125 million over five years as part of DOE's National Quantum Information Science Research Centers program ($625M total for five centers)
- Technology Transfer and Licensing: Commercialization of Fermilab patented technologies through licensing agreements, Strategic Partnership Projects (SPP), and Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADA) with industry partners
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels9 records
Fermilab product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Fermilab designs, builds, and operates large-scale particle accelerators and detectors for fundamental physics research, anchored by the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) at the Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility, the PIP-II superconducting linear accelerator upgrade, the CMS experiment at CERN, and the Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems (SQMS) Center for quantum computing and sensing. It also develops and operates large-scale scientific data infrastructure (Fermi Data Platform) and AI tools for accelerator workflows, and licenses selected technologies for societal applications such as PFAS water treatment.
Product overview
Fermilab is America's particle physics and accelerator laboratory offering world-leading scientific infrastructure for neutrino science, particle physics research, quantum computing, and AI-enabled scientific discovery. The portfolio includes the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) at the Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility (LBNF) as its flagship neutrino program; the PIP-II accelerator upgrade project; CMS experiment participation at CERN; the Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems (SQMS) Center for quantum computing and sensing; the Fermi Data Platform for large-scale scientific data infrastructure; and AI tools including the MOAT collaboration for accelerator optimization and QICK for quantum control.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- DUNE at LBNF (Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment) Flagship international neutrino experiment sending a neutrino beam 800 miles from Fermilab in Illinois to 17,000-ton liquid argon detectors at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in South Dakota to study neutrino properties and search for proton decay. Used by the 1,500+ scientist DUNE collaboration from 35+ countries.
- PIP-II Proton Improvement Plan II Construction project delivering a 215-meter-long superconducting linear accelerator that will become the new heart of Fermilab's accelerator complex and enable unprecedented neutrino beams for DUNE.
- CMS Experiment Support at CERN
Quantifiable outcome
- 127 parts per billion precision achieved in muon magnetic moment measurement
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Fermilab
Customer profileNamed customers19 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Fermilab technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability13 records
Feature8 records
Fermilab partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
19 partnerships are on record, tiered core, strategic and minor.
- Northern Illinois University (NIU)coreSigned Cooperative Research and Development Agreement to launch Master of Science in Physics program specializing in quantum science and technology. Inaugural class begins fall 2026 with research at Fermilab's SQMS Center starting summer 2027.
- QbloxcoreDOE partnered with Fermilab and Qblox to manufacture and distribute QICK quantum control platform in the U.S. Qblox oversees U.S.-based manufacturing, distribution, and supply chain operations.
- Q-NEXT (Argonne National Laboratory)coreQ-NEXT is one of five DOE National Quantum Information Science Research Centers renewed with $125M funding, partnered with SLAC and hosted by Argonne with Fermilab as partner.
- CERNcoreFermilab partners with CERN on building massive detector modules for DUNE containing cryostats with 17,000 tons of liquid argon each. CERN is also collaborating on LHC upgrades and future accelerators.
- HarmoniqscoreIntegration of Fermilab's QICK with Harmoniqs' Piccolo.jl for precise, repeatable qubit control optimization in quantum computers. Both tools are open-source.
- DOE Genesis Mission / American Science CloudcoreFermilab's Fermi Data Platform selected as key infrastructure partner providing petabytes of storage, data access tools, and expertise for AI-driven scientific discovery across the national initiative.
- Imperial College London (MAGIS Programme)strategicFermilab's MAGIS programme linked to UK quantum detector research including Imperial College London's Ultracold Strontium Laboratory prototype for AION project.
- DiraqcoreFermilab leads Quandarum project with Diraq and University of Wisconsin-Madison to develop quantum sensor combining silicon spin qubits with cryogenic readout for axion dark matter detection.
- Quantum Science CentercorePartnership between Quantum Science Center and Quantum Systems Accelerator (both DOE national quantum centers) with MIT Lincoln Laboratory enabled breakthrough in cryoelectronics for ion trap quantum control.
- MIT Lincoln LaboratorycoreCollaborated on cryoelectronics research demonstrating ion-trap potential control for scalable quantum computers, a key step toward larger ion-trap quantum systems.
- Proficio ConsultancystrategicFermilab collaborated with Proficio Consultancy to design PFAS water treatment system using electron-beam accelerator technology. Design phase complete with fabrication scheduled for 2026.
- U.S. Air ForcestrategicPartner on PFAS-related initiatives including water treatment technology development using electron-beam accelerator technology.
- U.S. Army Corps of EngineersstrategicPartner on additional PFAS-related initiatives as part of broader effort to develop scalable, field-deployable electron-beam water treatment technology.
- Sanford Underground Research FacilitycoreFormer gold mine in Lead, South Dakota serving as far detector site for DUNE and location for LUX-ZEPLIN dark matter experiment, nearly a mile underground.
- University of ChicagocoreUniversity of Chicago is part of Fermi Forward Discovery Group (with Universities Research Association) managing Fermilab for DOE. Fermilab is located near UChicago and collaborates on research.
- 51 U.S. Universities and Laboratories (CMS)coreFermilab serves as hub for 51 U.S. universities and laboratories participating in CMS experiment at CERN LHC, providing scientific, technical, and organizational support.
- NYU Langone HealthstrategicJoint QuantuMRI team from SQMS Center and NYU Langone Health developed quantum algorithm to simulate human tissue response during MRI scans for NIH Quantum Computing Challenge.
- LHC Physics CentercoreHub for CMS physics in the United States at Fermilab serving approximately 900 physicists and graduate students from 51 U.S. institutions.
- Chicago Public SchoolsminorCPS held Chi-Craft Minecraft Education competition with students designing IQMP quantum campus, preparing students for quantum computing careers through partnerships with Fermilab.
Scale indicators20 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights7 records
Fermilab competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- CERN: CERN is the European Organization for Nuclear Research and the world's leading particle physics laboratory, operating the LHC where Fermilab contributes to the CMS experiment. Both organizations lead global high-energy physics, host massive international collaborations, and pursue fundamental physics research with similar accelerator and detector technologies.
- SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory: SLAC is a DOE national accelerator laboratory operated by Stanford, focused on particle physics, photon science, and accelerator R&D. Both labs share accelerator science heritage, DOE funding, similar headcount scale (~2,000 employees), and overlap in superconducting RF technology and detector development.
- Brookhaven National Laboratory: Brookhaven is a DOE national laboratory conducting research in nuclear and particle physics, including the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. Both labs operate major accelerators, host large international physics collaborations, and are managed under similar DOE Office of Science contract structures.
- Argonne National Laboratory: Argonne is a DOE national laboratory with strong programs in physics, advanced computing, and quantum information science. Both labs are Chicagoland-area DOE facilities, partners in the SQMS/Q-NEXT quantum centers, and share similar governance and mission structures.
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory: Berkeley Lab is a DOE national laboratory with leading programs in physics, materials science, and computing. Both labs share DOE funding models, host large physics user communities, and operate major scientific user facilities for the global research community.
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory: Oak Ridge is a DOE national laboratory with leadership computing facilities and major physics programs. Both labs operate DOE Office of Science user facilities, participate in national quantum initiatives, and engage in large-scale scientific computing infrastructure.
- Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility: Jefferson Lab is a DOE national laboratory focused on nuclear physics using continuous electron beam accelerator facilities. Both labs are DOE Office of Science national laboratories specializing in accelerator-based physics research with similar operational and funding models.
Regional players
- DESY (Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron): DESY is Germany's national particle physics and photon science laboratory. While geographically separate, DESY is comparable in mission to Fermilab—both operate large-scale accelerators, host international user communities, and pursue particle physics and photon science research.
- KEK (High Energy Accelerator Research Organization): KEK is Japan's national particle physics laboratory and a major international partner on DUNE through Japan's contributions to PIP-II and other Fermilab experiments. Both labs are premier accelerator-based physics facilities with similar missions in their respective regions.
Broad incumbents
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory: Lawrence Livermore is a broader DOE national laboratory with programs spanning nuclear weapons, fusion, and fundamental science. While less focused on particle physics, it shares DOE funding structures, operates large-scale scientific facilities, and engages in advanced computing and accelerator research.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat7 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Fermilab social profiles
Digital presenceFermilab financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Fermilab leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles16 records
Fermilab funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
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Fermilab M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
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Frequently asked questions about Fermilab
What does Fermilab do?
Fermilab designs, builds, and operates large-scale particle accelerators and detectors for fundamental physics research, anchored by the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) at the Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility, the PIP-II superconducting linear accelerator upgrade, the CMS experiment at CERN, and the Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems (SQMS) Center for quantum computing and sensing. It also develops and operates large-scale scientific data infrastructure (Fermi Data Platform) and AI tools for accelerator workflows, and licenses selected technologies for societal applications such as PFAS water treatment.
Is Fermilab a public or private company?
Fermilab is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Fermilab founded?
Fermilab was founded in 1967. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
Where is Fermilab based?
Fermilab is headquartered in Batavia, United States, in the North America region.
How does Fermilab make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. U.S. Department of Energy Funding is the primary driver. The others are major Project Funding, quantum Research Center Funding and technology Transfer and Licensing.
Who are Fermilab's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are CERN, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Argonne National Laboratory, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility. Regional players are DESY (Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron) and KEK (High Energy Accelerator Research Organization). Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Fermilab have an API?
No public API is recorded for Fermilab.
What industry is Fermilab in?
Fermilab's product category is National Particle Physics Research Laboratory. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAGAMAA, Quantum Materials, Qubits & Device Physics Research, with a secondary code of HDAGACAI, Quantum Software Integration & DevOps (CI/CD, MLOps-style pipelines). Its NAICS code is 541713 and its SIC code is 3826.