South Carolina Establishes University-Led Applied Quantum Projects in Transition to Execution Phase

South Carolina Establishes University-Led Applied Quantum Projects in Transition to Execution Phase South Carolina has transitioned its quantum technology strategy from state-level coordination to university-anchored project execution following a $15 million appropriation from the state legislature. The initial convening phase, previously led by SC Quantum, has concluded with the launch of focused research labs at the University of South Carolina (USC) and Clemson University. These initiatives are designed to apply quantum information science and technology (QIST) to existing industrial, energy, and security infrastructures within the state. Applied Quantum for Space and Energy Lab (AQSEL) At the University of South Carolina’s Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, the AQSEL project focuses on the intersection of quantum sensing and infrastructure resilience. The lab integrates physicists, engineers, and computer scientists to develop quantum-informed monitoring systems for the power grid. By utilizing advanced sensors and satellite data, AQSEL aims to detect hardware anomalies and potential outages earlier than traditional classical systems. The facility serves as an operational testbed for integrating emerging quantum methods into large-scale energy systems. Industry Readiness and Software Optimization at Clemson Clemson University has established two distinct initiatives focused on computational efficiency and industrial transition.

Advancing Quantum Readiness and Innovation for Industry (AQRII) provides benchmarking for hybrid quantum-classical algorithms, assisting South Carolina companies in evaluating the performance gains of quantum optimization and machine learning for specific business use cases. Simultaneously, the Scalable High-Performance and Quantum Computing Systems Lab (ScaLab) utilizes physics-informed machine learning to optimize how quantum programs are compiled and mapped onto physical hardware, reducing error rates in current NISQ-era devices. Cybersecurity and Smart City Infrastructure The South Carolina Quantum Sentinel (SC-Q-Sentinel) project, led by Clemson, addresses the cybersecurity requirements of connected municipal environments. This initiative applies quantum-enhanced AI to protect digital systems supporting smart cities and critical utility infrastructure from emerging cryptographic threats. The project includes community-level pilots and workforce development components designed to train technical personnel in securing regional infrastructure as connectivity and automation expand. Workforce Development and Technical Residencies To address the regional talent gap, the University of South Carolina has implemented a Visiting Scholars Program. This initiative facilitates multi-year residencies for national and international technical experts within the state university system. These scholars contribute to curriculum development, interdisciplinary research, and specialized training for faculty and students. The residency model is intended to ensure that South Carolina’s quantum ecosystem is supported by sustained knowledge transfer and institutional leadership rather than short-term technological exploration. Read the official strategic update from SC Quantum here. February 3, 2026 Mohamed Abdel-Kareem2026-02-03T19:53:30-08:00 Leave A Comment Cancel replyComment Type in the text displayed above Δ This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.