KINGSTON, R.I. – April 13, 2026 – The University of Rhode Island’s fifth annual World Quantum Day event on the Kingston Campus saw elected officials and leading technology experts convene to discuss quantum computing’s societal implications. A highlight of the event was the announcement of a new quantum-humanities mini-grant program for students.
The event, held on April 10, was part of a global initiative to celebrate quantum science and technology. This worldwide movement, spearheaded by quantum scientists from over 65 countries, aims to enhance public understanding of quantum physics and its growing influence on research, industry, innovation, and society.
Hosted by URI’s Department of Physics, World Quantum Day covered a range of topics including the intersection of quantum physics with the humanities and quantum computing’s broader societal impact. Discussions also delved into the necessity of ethical “guardrails” for quantum computers, the interplay between quantum computing and the arts, philosophical questions about reality, and post-quantum encryption strategies for safeguarding vital information from quantum attacks.
Distinguished guest presenters included Rhode Island state Sen. Victoria Gu, D-Westerly, who chairs the Senate Committee on Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies; Ishann Pakrasi from Amazon Web Services (AWS); Christopher Savoie ’92, a URI alum and founder of SiC Systems; and Charles Robinson of IBM. The keynote address was delivered by Suhail Zubairy, the Munnerlyn/Heep Endowed Chair in Quantum Optics at Texas A&M University.
Prior to the main event, U.S. Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., and other officials toured the site of the future Quantum Computing and Technology laboratory within URI’s Fascitelli Center for Advanced Engineering. Slated for a 2028 opening, this facility will house a low-temperature environment for quantum computing, a clean room for fabricating environmentally sensitive computing components, and a secure area for reviewing controlled unclassified information.
Senator Reed emphasized that URI’s World Quantum Day signifies the University’s significant strides toward becoming a leader in the quantum field. He highlighted quantum computing and information sciences as crucial for national competitiveness in economic, national security, and military spheres, with URI poised to lead this effort.
“I anticipate the capability being established here at URI will set a solid foundation for state leadership in quantum computers and quantum technology,” Reed stated. “As with our other technological advances, the best path forward is a partnership between government, industry, and academia, and we’re seeing that partnership today.”
URI’s quantum computing research and workforce development initiative, launched in 2021, received support from a $1 million federal Commerce, Justice, and Science earmark, which Senator Reed successfully secured.
New mini-grant program
The University’s physics department introduced a new mini-grants program, offering financial aid to undergraduate and graduate students for their quantum computing research. This initiative is generously sponsored by Amazon Web Services and URI’s Institute for AI and Computational Research.
Undergraduate awards will provide $1,000 to student researchers and $250 to their faculty advisors for projects exploring quantum computing’s intersection with the arts, social sciences, or humanities. Graduate awards will offer $2,000 to eligible students and $1,000 to their faculty advisors for research focusing on the societal impact of quantum computing.
“We anticipate that the results of these mini-grants will generate roadmaps for those developing quantum computing to better harness our products for the benefit of society,” commented Leonard Kahn, Chair of URI’s Physics Department.
Furthermore, AWS will provide mini-grant recipients with access to Amazon Braket, its quantum computing service, enabling researchers and developers to build quantum algorithms using quantum computers and simulators for their submitted projects.
These mini-grants are open to all URI undergraduate and graduate students, with proposals from non-STEM disciplines particularly encouraged. The application deadline is Friday, May 1, at 5 p.m., with awards to be announced on Thursday, May 7. Recipients will present their completed research at the 2027 World Quantum Day event at URI.
For more details on the program or to apply for a mini-grant, please contact URI Department of Physics Chair Leonard Kahn at [email protected].