Pictured at IonQ headquarters in College Park, MD, are IonQ chair and CEO Niccolo de Masi and FIU provost, executive vice president and chief operating officer Elizabeth M. Béjar.
(Photo courtesy of Taimy Alvarez/FIU.)

It was announced recently that quantum computers will be coming to two south Florida universities in late 2027. Both Florida International University and the University of Miami will receive the new high-tech computers.

Both colleges have signed agreements with IonQ, the world’s leading full-stack quantum platform and foundry, to install the company’s new Superion 256 quantum computer on campus. Quantum computers differ greatly from conventional computing systems. They are not just faster versions of the computers used today, but process information in a different way, processing many more possibilities and interactions.

FIU officials say they expect to use their super computer in three areas.
● Environment and energy sustainability: Exploring new materials, more efficient batteries, environmental systems and ways to strengthen and better manage the power grid.
● National security and cybersecurity: Preparing for quantum-era security threats, advancing new approaches to encryption and helping protect critical infrastructure and other systems essential to national security.
● Health and drug development: Studying molecules and biological interactions to help identify promising medicines and improve the drug-development process.

“Bringing this extraordinary research tool to Miami is an investment in discovery, in our students, and in our country’s ability to compete in a rapidly developing field,” said FIU president Jeanette M. Nuñez. “This partnership provides our more than 1,800 faculty members, 55,000 students, and countless industry partners with direct access to one of the most advanced computing architectures in the world. It also puts the university in a privileged position to engage with key federal agencies to advance recently launched quantum initiatives that address national needs in the areas of sensing, cryptography, commercialization and workforce development.”

Officials at the University of Miami could not re reached for comment as of the deadline time for this story.

“This key partnership with Florida International University represents a major milestone in expanding direct physical access to IonQ’s industry-leading, high-performance quantum hardware,” said Niccolo de Masi, chair and CEO of IonQ. “By housing our Superion 256 system directly on campus, FIU will lead the region in quantum research and training.”

Super computers usually involve data centers, a topic that is still under review in most communities.

ABOUT US:

For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.

This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.

Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com.