Headlines
This week, UNESCO named physicist Jun Ye to its Quantum 100 list—a catalogue of some of the top leaders around the world in the rapidly growing field of quantum science. Among other research goals, Ye has developed quantum technologies that can track the passage of time with never-before-seen accuracy and precision.
As the fall semester winds down, Senior Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation and Dean of the Institutes Massimo Ruzzene reflects on CU Boulder's strategic research and innovation goals, including quantum science and technology, and what's ahead in 2026.
New Research & Innovation Seed Grants, awarded by CU Boulder's Research & Innovation Office (RIO) and the Office of the Provost, will fund 16 new projects for up to $60,000 each, including research into novel quantum architecture and a new platform for quantum transport and orbitronics.
Physics senior Ruijian Wang has been awarded the Fall 2025 Stephen Halley White Undergraduate Research Award from the Department of Physics for his outstanding research in quantum optics and integrated photonics. The award is one of the top honors for graduating physics students at CU Boulder.
“Nature’s forces act between pairs, but when many particles come together, new interactions can emerge,” says Professor Ana Maria Rey (Physics, JILA, NIST). “Controlling these multi-body interactions opens the door to faster, richer and more powerful quantum matter.”
The Department of Energy has renewed funding for the Quantum Systems Accelerator, which was established in 2020 to expand the frontiers of quantum computing, communication, sensing and materials.
The Colorado Quantum Incubator—a CU Boulder-led hub for advancing quantum lab-to-market technology translation—is building a vibrant community with a roster of engaging events and leading industry tenants including newest member, OEwaves.
Ye’s continued presence on this list reflects not only his scientific excellence but also his leadership in advancing quantum research initiatives, including the CUbit Quantum Initiative and the Q-SEnSE institute, which are shaping the future of quantum technologies.
A novel partnership between CU Boulder's Colorado Quantum Incubator and Stout Street Capital, a Denver-based venture capital firm and ecosystem builder focused on deep tech, will allow the partners to invest in and incubate startups tackling the complex challenges of next-generation quantum technologies.
In a new study, researchers led by JILA and NIST Fellow Jun Ye have shown that it’s possible to go beyond a fundamental barrier in quantum measurements by using a technique called spin squeezing. This work could help improve everything from GPS systems to tests of gravity and the nature of the universe.