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JILA research associate Dr. Kenneth Wilson monitors a glow discharge for producing molecular ions in an infrared frequency comb spectrometer in the Changala laboratory. (Credit: Changala Laboratory/JILA/CU Boulder).
JILA research associate Dr. Kenneth Wilson monitors a glow discharge for producing molecular ions in an infrared frequency comb spectrometer in the Changala laboratory. (Credit: Changala Laboratory/JILA/CU Boulder).
CU Boulder Quantum Center awarded $37.5 million by NSF
ColoradoBiz Staff //August 27, 2026//
In Brief:
- National Science Foundation awards $37.5 million to CU Boulder
- Q-SEnSE center includes 39 researchers from 16 institutions
- Funding supports quantum sensors, atomic clocks, and lasers
- More than 30 quantum companies located in Colorado’s Front Range
BOULDER, Colo. — The National Science Foundation awarded $37.5 million to a CU Boulder-led research center working to move quantum technologies from laboratories into practical applications.
The funding will support the next phase of the NSF Quantum Leap Challenge Institute for Quantum Systems through Entangled Science and Engineering, known as Q-SEnSE. The center launched at CU Boulder in 2020 with a $25 million NSF award and now includes 39 researchers from 16 institutions.
Researchers are developing more accurate atomic clocks, stable lasers and quantum sensors. Potential applications include detecting molecules in human breath for medical diagnoses, monitoring air quality and identifying signs of natural disasters.
“We’re really world leaders in terms of building the best quantum technology tools and applying them to meaningful scientific problems,” said Jun Ye, a JILA fellow who leads the center. “Only by building some of the most sensitive instruments can we get some clue of what is behind” unanswered questions about the universe.
Part of the award will support workforce development and training. More than 30 quantum companies are headquartered along Colorado’s northern Front Range, according to CU Boulder.
Q-SEnSE is among eight NSF Quantum Leap Challenge Institutes receiving more than $290 million for quantum research.
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