In a first of a kind event next week, Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) will award up to 36 contracts designed to push research on ground-breaking uses of quantum science out of university labs and eventually into the hands of warfighters.

“Quantum information science (QIS) will impact many future Air Force capabilities. This includes GPS-like precision in locations where there is no GPS signal or it is severely degraded, ultra-secure global communication networks, high-precision sensors linked together with a quantum network, and new computing paradigms for optimization of asset and resource allocations, discovery of new materials, and novel applications of artificial intelligence,” Michael Hayduk, Information Directorate deputy director responsible for coordinating quantum research across AFRL, said in an official story.

The virtual “Quantum Collider and Pitch Day” will focus on quantum communications, computing, timing and sensing, according to AFRL. The June 15-16 event could result in up to $5.4 million in total awards.

The Quantum Collider will be the first of many quantum-focused efforts AFRL debuts this summer, the official story says, including the standup of a new quantum information science innovation center in Rome, New York. The lab is also kicking off “a worldwide $1 million challenge that canvases the international quantum research community for novel solutions in the emerging field.”

Chinese advancements in quantum computing in recent years have heightened interest among US national security leaders. For example, in 2017 China became the first country to demonstrate ‘quantum entanglement’ from a satellite to Earth.

Such capabilities could lead to much more secure communications between satellites and ground stations, as well as encrypted signals that are nearly impossible for hackers to break.

Although expressing some caution about the “hype” around quantum computing, Mark Lewis, director of modernization in Mike Griffin’s Research and Engineering shop, said recently that quantum science is also a focus area for DoD-wide research.

The Quantum Collider is the first of a series of planned AFRL events aimed at spurring cutting-edge university research, based on awards under the little-known Small Business Tech Transfer Research (STTR) program. Air Force acquisition head Will Roper told reporters on Tuesday that the STTR account has only about “$100 million and change” to spend per year, but is important all the same.

“During the event, teams that include a university and/or non-profit and a small business — selected by a panel earlier this year — will have 20 minutes to pitch their ideas to senior Air Force and DoD officials. According to AFRL, “Since each session concludes with a Phase I contract award decision, small businesses that partner with nonprofit research institutions could receive $150,000 from the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program.”

Further, AFRL says, the service is eyeing some of the project for more funds under the larger pot of Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR). (Theresa Hitchens).

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