UTSA Quantum Research

UTSA is home to a vibrant community of expert researchers working in quantum science and technology from a variety of disciplines, including physics (experimental and theoretical), mathematics, computer science, electrical engineering, and public policy. Quantum research at UTSA engages interdisciplinary partners and expertise in areas such as cyber security, advanced manufacturing and health to address pressing challenges in quantum information science and technology (QIST).

This novel, interdisciplinary research is supported by the Quantum Information Science and Engineering (QISE) Research Interest Group (RIG) and further catalyzed by partnerships and collaboration with centers and institutes across UTSA and partner institutions. Quantum researchers work closely with their peers in MATRIX: The UTSA AI Consortium for Human Well-Being to develop technology at the frontier of AI and quantum computing. They also collaborate with the Cybersecurity Manufacturing Innovation Institute (CyManII) to develop quantum technology advancing secure, advanced manufacturing. They have published several papers, including in Nature, and filed multiple patents.

Quantum research at UTSA leverages interdisciplinary collaboration and partnerships to address pressing challenges in quantum information science and technology (QIST). Learn about faculty researching quantum at UTSA

Hand in Hand: UTSA and UT Health

UTSA and UT Health San Antonio are on a path to merge into one premier global university, combining their collective academic, research and clinical strengths and making UTSA the third-largest public research university in Texas. Together, the research community across the university will continue to advance quantum science and technology in healthcare, expanding its capacity for interdisciplinary innovation in areas such as patient data privacy, medical imaging and diagnostic sensing.

Security

UTSA is a leading university in security, and this core competency underpins research in a wide array of disciplines. Quantum researchers collaborate with UTSA centers and institutes including the Cybersecurity Manufacturing Innovation Institute (CyManII) and the National Security Collaboration Center (NSCC), as well as partners at UT Health San Antonio, to advance quantum science and technology with security at the forefront.

UTSA is also home to the Center for Infrastructure Assurance and Security, the Institute for Cyber Security, the Cyber Center for Security and Analytics, and the NSF CREST Center for Security and Privacy Enhanced Cloud Computing. The university is one of a select few to hold all three NSA designations for centers of academic excellence in Cyber Defense Education, Cyber Research, and Cyber Operations.

Workforce Development: Graduate Certificate in Quantum Information Science and Engineering

UTSA is dedicated to addressing the needs of industry and government to prepare the next generation of scientists, engineers, and technicians to build and code the components of the quantum systems of today and the future. UTSA is well positioned to lead this effort as researchers work closely with industry and government. QIST courses are designed to focus not only on the theory of QIST but also on its practical implementation.

The university’s forthcoming Graduate Certificate in Quantum Information Science and Engineering will provide additional structure and support for students already working in these fields. To earn the QISE certificate, students will complete 5 courses, including three core courses covering quantum fundamentals, software, and hardware. Additional elective courses, including quantum cybersecurity, quantum machine learning and quantum logic, are regularly offered to allow students flexibility in tailoring their learning to specific interests within the field.

Key Research Areas

Critical Manufacturing and Infrastructure

In the domain of critical manufacturing, quantum computing has the potential to fundamentally reshape design paradigms and optimize intricate supply chain networks. Quantum algorithms enable high-fidelity simulations at a molecular level, facilitating the rapid prototyping of novel materials and the refinement of manufacturing processes. For example, predictive quantum simulations can precisely model the behavior of advanced alloys, polymers, or nanomaterials, significantly reducing the reliance on iterative physical testing. Quantum-enhanced optimization methodologies can revolutionize supply chain management by processing large datasets to identify optimal logistics, inventory strategies and production schedules, which mitigates systemic vulnerabilities and enhances operational continuity. Quantum sensing techniques offer unparalleled access to both the metrology and telemetry data of the manufacturing process, creating detailed maps of the runtime and post-production data signals, leading to more precise and reliable manufacturing outcomes.

UTSA researchers are strategically positioned to advance technology in these areas, leveraging collaboration with partners including CyManII, which provides expertise and test beds to conduct state-of-the-art research applying quantum to critical manufacturing problems.

Secure and Private Health Care

Quantum Mathematics for Cyber Security Resiliency: Cryptography and Quantum Information Science

Applied Cyber Security for Quantum Resiliency

Testing and Validation of Materials and Devices for Robust and Secure Quantum

Secure and Resilient Quantum Algorithms

Get Involved

To partner or collaborate with the UTSA quantum research team, please get in touch with us at Quantum@utsa.edu