UA Little Rock-Led Quantum Computing Initiative Secures NSF Funding - Arkansas Business
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GPEngine workshop in the Emerging Analytics Center (Photo by Benjamin Krain) The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has received a $96,313 National Science Foundation award to support its Emerging Analytics Center and Department of Computer Science. The center recently hosted the Statewide Quantum Computing Working Group Workshop, focused on developing a shared framework for quantum computing education in Arkansas. The new NSF funding follows the workshop, which brought together more than 25 leaders from higher education, industry, government and research organizations. The workshop included representatives from UA Little Rock, the University of Central Arkansas, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Tech University, Southern Arkansas University, the Arkansas Research Alliance, Dakota State University and Oklahoma State University. Industry partners, including IBM, Qunnect and Fortinet, also participated. “The Emerging Analytics Center and the Department of Computer Science organized the workshop to address the critical need for a statewide educational framework that prepares a skilled STEM workforce for the rapidly evolving field of quantum information science,” Tom Coffin, senior visualization and operations manager for the Emerging Analytics Center, said in a press release. Quantum computing uses the principles of quantum mechanics to solve problems beyond the reach of many traditional computers. Industry experts project quantum computing could become a trillion-dollar industry within the next decade, according to the press release.
Future Plans One of the workshop’s primary goals was to establish a Statewide Quantum Computing Working Group and develop a foundational curriculum that can be adopted by educational institutions across Arkansas. For UA Little Rock students, faculty and researchers, the initiative will provide access to specialized training opportunities, hands-on experience with quantum hardware and cloud-based systems, and future professional development activities. Organizers also plan to host a statewide Quantum Hackathon in 2027. Beginning in July 2026, the NSF-funded project will formalize and expand the Statewide Quantum Computing Working Group while advancing curriculum development, workforce training and collaboration among partners across the state. Coffin said in the release that the initiative could help establish Arkansas as a leader in quantum information science while supporting economic growth and attracting technology-focused industries. “By establishing a sustainable educational ecosystem, the initiative hopes to drive economic growth, attract new industries, and prepare a diverse, highly skilled STEM workforce capable of meeting the demands of an evolving job market,” Coffin said in the release. “The goal is to provide a new generation of students with the technical skills needed for high-demand careers in quantum hardware, networking and software development.” The effort continues this summer with the Introduction to Quantum Computing and Quantum Machine Learning Workshop, scheduled for June 25–26. The workshop will provide additional opportunities for students, educators and researchers interested in the field.