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The University of Rochester and Rochester Institute of Technology have received $2 million in federal funds to advance the sharing of quantum information and develop an experimental network connecting their campuses.
The funding from the National Institute of Standards and Technology will help build new capabilities for the Rochester Quantum Network. The monies were made possible through the fiscal 2026 appropriations bill, supported by Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, and Rep. Joe Morelle, officials say.
RoQNET was installed in 2024. Last year, the universities transmitted single photons over 11 miles of fiber-optic lines between their campuses. (Quantum networks use the physics of light to send information—a future internet designed to prevent interception or copying.)
The researchers are gearing up for experiments to share entangled photons across the network.
“We want to exploit some of the more unique features of quantum mechanics and quantum optics, specifically the idea of quantum entanglement, where two particles of light can share properties no matter how far apart they are,” says Nickolas Vamivakas, the Marie C. Wilson and Joseph C. Wilson Professor of Optical Physics, who leads URochester’s efforts. “One of these entangled photon pairs will live at RIT and one will live at URochester, and we aim to maintain that entanglement across RoQNET.”
He believes that harnessing quantum entanglement could lay the groundwork for networks of quantum computers or advanced methods to sharpen the resolution of space telescopes. RoQNET is one of experimental quantum networks worldwide, and Vamivakas says it offers advantages such as the ability to transmit photons over fiber-optic lines already in use.
Additionally, RoQNET is further distinguished from other quantum networks with UR’s expertise in quantum memory hardware and RIT’s ability to create quantum photonic integrated-circuit light sources.
“Our focus with RoQNET has been on the realization of heterogeneous entanglement between different types of qubits,” says Stefan Preble, RIT’s Bausch and Lomb Professor and PhD program director of microsystems engineering. “This funding supports further research to reach the next generation in quantum networking technologies.”
The funding will also enable hardware that will provide high school, undergraduate, and graduate students with some of their first opportunities to work with quantum optics and quantum networks, officials say.
“This win-win benefits national security and boosts economic development and innovation by enabling the Rochester region to connect into similar New York-based quantum communications networks, positioning New York to be a global leader in quantum communication and networking,” Schumer says. “RoQNET will stimulate quantum workforce development for K-12 and college-age students and offer learning opportunities for students enrolled in the Monroe Community College optical technology program.”
“Our university is committing significant time, talent, and resources into advancing quantum technologies, as evidenced by our recent investment in the transdisciplinary Center for Coherence and Quantum Science,” says URochester president Sarah Mangelsdorf. “We are fortunate to have terrific local collaborators at RIT with whom we can combine our strengths to advance the Rochester region as a hub for advanced quantum research and innovation.”
Smriti Jacob is Rochester Beacon managing editor.
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