Our Contribution
As national security missions grow in complexity, quantum technologies are demonstrating the potential to deliver mission-critical capabilities. Quantum computing promises to solve optimization and modeling problems that exceed classical limits, while quantum sensing offers unprecedented precision for detecting and characterizing physical phenomena. APL is advancing both—developing the theoretical, algorithmic, and hardware insights needed to translate abstract quantum science into real operational advantage. Through the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) program, the Laboratory is working with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to identify and assess approaches to building practical quantum computers. DARPA tapped APL at the start of the QBI program to leverage APL’s deep systems engineering expertise and distinguished quantum information team—qualities that uniquely position APL to create frameworks for evaluating quantum computing platforms. This effort enables DARPA to establish engineering benchmarks for what a utility-scale quantum computer should deliver—not just in theory, but in operational ways that matter for specific applications.
