Fermilab, in partnership with Qblox and supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, is expanding access to the Quantum Instrumentation Control Kit (QICK), an open-source platform with 32 RF/DC channels for synchronizing quantum processors and sensors. Developed at Fermilab since 2021, QICK is already used by around 500 researchers across national labs, universities, and industry. Qblox will manage U.S. manufacturing, distribution, and support, helping grow the quantum workforce and enabling wider use of this key technology for quantum computing, sensing, and networking applications.

Figure 1. Fermilab & Qblox Expand Quantum Access and Training

DOE and Partners Expand Quantum Instrumentation Access

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is collaborating with Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and Qblox to advance domestic quantum technology through the Quantum Instrumentation Control Kit (QICK), an open-source platform essential for synchronizing quantum processors and sensors. Already used by roughly 500 researchers across national labs, academia, and industry, QICK will now benefit from Qblox’s manufacturing, distribution, and support, expanding access and impact within the U.S. quantum ecosystem. Figure 1 shows Fermilab & Qblox Expand Quantum Access and Training.

Beyond production, the partnership emphasizes workforce development. Qblox will provide training and technical support, while Fermilab continues upgrading QICK, including the new version 2.0 with enhanced quantum control capabilities. This effort aims to establish a fully “Made-in-the-USA” platform, strengthening U.S. quantum infrastructure and cultivating skilled talent to maintain national leadership in the field.

Formalized via a Letter of Intent and a planned Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA), the collaboration models a scalable public-private approach, ensuring domestic development of key quantum components and supporting DOE’s mission to transition quantum technologies from research to practical applications.

Quantum Instrumentation Control Kit (QICK): Features and Development

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a collaboration between Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and Qblox to expand production and distribution of the Quantum Instrumentation Control Kit (QICK). Developed at Fermilab since 2021, QICK is a fully integrated 32-channel platform designed to synchronize quantum processors and sensors, currently used by around 500 researchers across national labs, academia, and industry. The partnership aims to increase accessibility, strengthen the domestic quantum workforce, and support U.S. leadership in quantum technology.

QICK serves as a core tool for managing quantum readouts and controls, with its open-source design contributing to widespread adoption. Recent updates, including version 2.0 with an upgraded core processor, further enhance its functionality. Qblox will oversee U.S. manufacturing, distribution, and supply chain operations, ensuring a “Made-in-the-USA” platform that reinforces national quantum infrastructure.

Formalized through a Letter of Intent and moving toward a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA), this partnership exemplifies scalable public-private collaboration. Beyond advancing technology, the initiative fosters workforce development and supports the creation of interoperable quantum systems, helping cement the U.S. as a global leader in quantum research and applications.

Advancing Quantum Technology via Collaborative Efforts

Fermilab and Qblox have partnered to expand access to the Quantum Instrumentation Control Kit (QICK), a 32-channel open-source platform crucial for synchronizing quantum processors and sensors. Under this collaboration, Qblox will oversee U.S. manufacturing, distribution, and support, broadening QICK’s reach beyond national labs and academia and strengthening the domestic quantum ecosystem.

Beyond hardware, the partnership aims to develop the U.S. quantum workforce, offering training and skill-building alongside wider platform accessibility [1]. With an existing community of roughly 500 users, the collaboration is expected to significantly grow adoption, addressing a key bottleneck in scaling quantum computing capabilities.

Formalized through a Letter of Intent and progressing toward a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA), this public-private initiative provides a scalable model for advancing quantum technology. Recent QICK upgrades, including a new core processor and software improvements, ensure ongoing development while securing domestic production and positioning the U.S. as a global leader in quantum innovation.

References:

1. https://quantumzeitgeist.com/fermilab-qblox-quantum-quantum-research/

Cite this article:

Janani R (2025), Fermilab and Qblox Collaborate to Advance Quantum Research and Training, AnaTechMaz, pp.436