Center for Quantum Networks
The Center for Quantum Networks is an NSF Engineering Research Center headquartered at the University of Arizona, building the foundational technology stack for a quantum internet through a multi-university consortium and the Industrial Partners Program.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2020
- HeadquartersTucson, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Center for Quantum Networks does
The Center for Quantum Networks (CQN) is an NSF Engineering Research Center headquartered at the University of Arizona in Tucson, established in September 2020 under NSF Grant 1941583. Its mission is to build the foundational technology stack for a quantum internet, organized around four research thrusts: Architecture, Subsystems, Materials, and Societal Impacts. CQN operates a multi-institutional consortium model with partner universities including MIT, Harvard, Yale, UMass Amherst, BYU, UChicago, Howard, Oregon, NAU, and USC, and runs two physical testbeds in Boston and Tucson for hardware and protocol validation.
The center's business model is grant-funded rather than commercial. Primary funding is the NSF grant ($26M initial five-year term, with a potential $25M renewal in 2025 for a $51M ten-year total). A secondary revenue stream is the Industrial Partners Program (IPP), which offers tiered membership (Associate, Full, Sponsor) to 15+ industry partners seeking engagement with quantum networking research. CQN also operates educational and pipeline programs including the Winter School, MS QISE degree, REU, and GRN/IGNITE initiatives, and has launched ChatCQN as an AI-assisted educational product. There is no commercial product GTM, no equity, and no disclosed revenue from end customers.
Strategically, CQN is positioning itself as a national coordinating node for U.S. quantum networking research, with a new dedicated headquarters under construction, a recurring Winter School program (2024-2026), and an expanding IPP that bridges academia and industry. The center's near-term value driver is the 2025 NSF renewal decision, which determines whether the $51M ten-year funding trajectory is realized.
Center for Quantum Networks firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Center for Quantum Networks
- Legal name
- Center for Quantum Networks
- Website
- https://cqn-erc.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2020
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- The Center for Quantum Networks is an NSF Engineering Research Center headquartered at the University of Arizona, building the foundational technology stack for a quantum internet through a multi-university consortium and the Industrial Partners Program.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Center for Quantum Networks industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Quantum Networking Research
- NAICS
- Research and Development in Nanotechnology (541713), Educational Support Services (61171), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151)
- SIC
- Computer Communications Equipment (3576), Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Computer Programming Services (7371)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Quantum Communications, Networking & Quantum Internet Research (HDAGAMAH)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Quantum Standards, Testbeds & Open Research Infrastructure (HDAGAMAL), Quantum Education & Certification Programs (HDAGALAA)
Keywords
Where Center for Quantum Networks is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Tucson
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
Center for Quantum Networks business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- NSF Engineering Research Center Funding: Primary funding from NSF Grant 1941583 - initial five-year $26 million grant awarded September 2020, with potential for additional five-year renewal in 2025. The total 10-year investment is $51 million.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels7 records
Center for Quantum Networks product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Center for Quantum Networks develops the full technology stack for the quantum internet through four research thrusts: quantum network architecture, quantum subsystem technologies (integrated photonics), quantum materials (memories and qubit-conversion interfaces), and societal impacts research. It operates physical quantum networking testbeds in Boston and Tucson, and supports workforce development through graduate degrees, summer research, winter schools, and K-12 outreach.
Product overview
Center for Quantum Networks is a research-focused organization (NSF Generation-4 Engineering Research Center) developing the technology stack for a quantum internet. Rather than a unified commercial product, CQN offers a portfolio of interconnected programs: quantum networking testbeds (Boston and Tucson) for research infrastructure; educational programs including an MS QISE degree, Winter School tutorials, and REU summer research; K-12 outreach via the SPARCQS mobile laboratory; and research output products including publications, patents, and recordings. The organization operates through four thrusts (Architecture, Subsystems, Fundamentals, and Social Impact) and serves industrial partners through a membership portal and applications roadmap.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Winter School on Quantum Networks Annual virtual tutorial program providing introductory to advanced courses in quantum networking topics, co-taught by CQN faculty and graduate students/postdocs using inquiry-based teaching methods.
- MS QISE (Master of Science in Quantum Information Science and Engineering) Graduate degree program at University of Arizona Wyant College of Optical Sciences providing theoretical and hands-on experience in quantum equipment spanning engineering, computer science, physics, and math, with exposure to social, ethical, and legal implications of quantum technology.
- REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) Paid summer research program for undergraduate students providing mentorship and training in quantum information science and engineering at CQN partner laboratories, with $6,000 stipends and free on-campus housing.
- Boston Testbed Quantum networking testbed located in Boston, led by CQN Co-Deputy Director Dirk Englund, for developing and testing quantum network components and protocols.
- Tucson Testbed Quantum networking testbed located in Tucson at the University of Arizona, led by Matthew Eichenfield, for developing and testing quantum network components and protocols.
- CQN Research Outputs (Publications, Patents, Recordings, Conference Talks) Repository of CQN-generated research products including peer-reviewed publications, patents, video recordings, and conference presentations documenting advances in quantum networking technology.
- SPARCQS (Sparking Curiosity in Quantum Science) Mobile quantum laboratory outreach program bringing hands-on quantum science experiences to schools and communities via a 6'x10' trailer, designed to reach underserved populations including remote Native American reservations.
- Q-Challenges Technical competition series for undergraduate and graduate students at CQN partner institutions, providing a pathway to apply creativity to important challenges in quantum networking research.
- Primer on Quantum Networking Introductory educational resource explaining quantum networking concepts including qubits, entanglement, quantum states, and quantum internet fundamentals.
- Applications Roadmap Document forecasting quantum networking technology applications and their impact on society, developed by CQN faculty with industry advisors to quantify engineering development required for commercial deployment.
- CQN Member Portal Password-protected intranet portal for Industrial Partners Program members to access exclusive resources, research materials, and center information.
Quantifiable outcome
- 50+ publications in first year alone demonstrating research output
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Center for Quantum Networks
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Center for Quantum Networks technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature7 records
Center for Quantum Networks partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
26 partnerships are on record, tiered core, partner, diamond, gold and silver.
- University of ArizonacoreLead institution and headquarters of CQN. Host of Tucson Testbed and majority of CQN research activities. University of Arizona's Wyant College of Optical Sciences is the home of CQN leadership and administration.
- MITcoreCore institutional partner co-leading Boston Testbed. MIT researchers including Dirk Englund, Karl Berggren, and Danna Freedman contribute to CQN research thrusts.
- Harvard UniversitycoreCore institutional partner with researchers including Marko Loncar, Mikhail Lukin, and Julia Mundy contributing to quantum networking and materials research.
- Yale UniversitycoreCore institutional partner with Leandros Tassiulas contributing to network architecture research (Thrust 1).
- University of Massachusetts AmherstcoreCore institutional partner with Don Towsley (Thrust 1 Lead), Stefan Krastanov, Taqi Raza, and Filip Rozpedek contributing to quantum networking research.
- University of OregonpartnerPartner institution with Michael Raymer (author of Quantum Networking Primer) and Brian Smith contributing to quantum optics and networking research.
- Brigham Young UniversitypartnerPartner institution with Ryan Camacho contributing to photonic devices and quantum detection research.
- Northern Arizona UniversitypartnerPartner institution with Ines Montano and Stephanie Hurst contributing to quantum photonics and materials research.
- University of ChicagopartnerPartner institution with Liang Jiang (Thrust 2 Lead) contributing to quantum sensing, transduction, and network research.
- Howard UniversitypartnerPartner institution (HBCU) with Tina Brower-Thomas contributing to quantum materials research and DCI efforts.
- University of Southern CaliforniapartnerPartner institution with Quntao Zhuang contributing to quantum communications and information theory research.
- L3HarrisdiamondDiamond tier Industrial Partner. Defense technology company contributing to quantum networking research and development through the IPP.
- Lockheed MartingoldGold tier Industrial Partner. Aerospace and defense contractor participating in quantum networking research through the IPP.
- QunnectgoldGold tier Industrial Partner. Quantum technology startup focused on quantum networking solutions.
- QunettgoldGold tier Industrial Partner. Quantum networking technology company.
- RaytheongoldGold tier Industrial Partner. Defense contractor with quantum research interests participating in IPP.
- Toptica PhotonicsgoldGold tier Industrial Partner. Laser technology company providing photonics expertise for quantum networking.
- CorningsilverSilver tier Industrial Partner. Fiber optics and materials company relevant to quantum network infrastructure.
- AlirosilverSilver tier Industrial Partner. Quantum computing and networking software company.
- Advent DiamondsilverSilver tier Industrial Partner. Diamond-based quantum technology company.
- AnametricsilverSilver tier Industrial Partner. Company focused on quantum and optical technologies.
- Nu QuantumsilverSilver tier Industrial Partner. Quantum photonics company.
- TeledynesilverSilver tier Industrial Partner. Defense and aerospace technology company.
- Icarus QuantumsilverSilver tier Industrial Partner. Quantum technology company.
- Cisco SystemsgoldGold tier Industrial Partner. Networking equipment giant contributing to quantum network research and development.
- Juniper NetworksgoldGold tier Industrial Partner. Networking company involved in quantum networking research.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Center for Quantum Networks competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- Aliro Quantum: Quantum networking software company that is a Silver tier Industrial Partner of CQN. Develops quantum network simulation and orchestration software, representing the commercial side of quantum networking that CQN's research ultimately feeds into.
- Qunnect: Gold tier Industrial Partner of CQN focused on quantum networking hardware including quantum memories and entanglement sources. Represents commercial translation of quantum networking technology that CQN is researching.
- Nu Quantum: Silver tier Industrial Partner of CQN focused on quantum photonics and networking hardware. UK-based company developing quantum networking components that parallel CQN's Thrust 2 and Thrust 3 research focus areas.
- PsiQuantum: Well-funded photonic quantum computing company developing technology that shares photonics and entanglement distribution foundations with CQN's Thrust 2 and Thrust 3. Represents the commercial frontier that CQN research could enable.
Others
- Toptica Photonics: Gold tier Industrial Partner of CQN and major supplier of laser and photonics technology used in quantum networking research. Functions as an enabler/provider of underlying photonic infrastructure that CQN's quantum networking testbeds depend on.
Broad incumbents
- Chicago Quantum Exchange: Multi-institutional quantum research hub involving University of Chicago, Argonne National Laboratory, Fermilab, and Northwestern. Comparable as a major U.S. quantum research consortium though broader in scope (computing, sensing, networking) than CQN's networking focus.
- DOE Q-NEXT (Q-NEXT Next Generation Quantum Science and Engineering Center): DOE-funded National Quantum Information Science Research Center led by Argonne National Laboratory. Operates a multi-institutional model similar to CQN but with broader scope across quantum computing, networking, and sensing; potential collaborator and competitor for federal quantum funding.
Direct peers
- Quantum Internet Alliance: EU-funded flagship quantum internet research consortium with similar mission to CQN of building foundational quantum networking infrastructure. Operates as a coordinated multi-institutional research effort with comparable goals of developing quantum repeaters, network protocols, and testbeds.
- Hybrid Quantum Architectures and Networks (HQAN): NSF Quantum Leap Challenge Institute focused on quantum network architectures, directly overlapping with CQN's Thrust 1 on network architecture. Closest NSF-funded peer in terms of research focus area.
- NSF Quantum Sensing Challenge Institute (Q-SEnSE): NSF-funded Quantum Leap Challenge Institute at CU Boulder focused on quantum sensing, with structural similarity to CQN as a federally-funded multi-institutional quantum research center. Comparable in funding model and academic consortium structure.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Center for Quantum Networks social profiles
Digital presenceCenter for Quantum Networks financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Center for Quantum Networks leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles12 records
Center for Quantum Networks funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
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Center for Quantum Networks M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
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Frequently asked questions about Center for Quantum Networks
What does Center for Quantum Networks do?
Center for Quantum Networks develops the full technology stack for the quantum internet through four research thrusts: quantum network architecture, quantum subsystem technologies (integrated photonics), quantum materials (memories and qubit-conversion interfaces), and societal impacts research. It operates physical quantum networking testbeds in Boston and Tucson, and supports workforce development through graduate degrees, summer research, winter schools, and K-12 outreach.
Is Center for Quantum Networks a public or private company?
Center for Quantum Networks is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Center for Quantum Networks founded?
Center for Quantum Networks was founded in 2020. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Center for Quantum Networks based?
Center for Quantum Networks is headquartered in Tucson, United States, in the North America region.
How does Center for Quantum Networks make money?
One revenue line is on record: NSF Engineering Research Center Funding.
Who are Center for Quantum Networks's main competitors?
Emerging players on record are Aliro Quantum, Qunnect, Nu Quantum and PsiQuantum. Toptica Photonics is listed as an others. Broad incumbents are Chicago Quantum Exchange and DOE Q-NEXT (Q-NEXT Next Generation Quantum Science and Engineering Center). Direct peers are Quantum Internet Alliance, Hybrid Quantum Architectures and Networks (HQAN) and NSF Quantum Sensing Challenge Institute (Q-SEnSE).
Does Center for Quantum Networks have an API?
No public API is recorded for Center for Quantum Networks.
What industry is Center for Quantum Networks in?
Center for Quantum Networks's product category is Quantum Networking Research. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAGAMAH, Quantum Communications, Networking & Quantum Internet Research, with a secondary code of HDAGAMAL, Quantum Standards, Testbeds & Open Research Infrastructure. Its NAICS code is 541713 and its SIC code is 3576.