Federal Grant Award Summary

Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University (Virginia Tech) received a $413,253 CAREER grant award effective April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2031, from the National Science Foundation's Division of Information and Intelligent Systems under the Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) program (CFDA 47.070). The award supports the development of theoretical frameworks and algorithms for learning quantum states in practical, noisy environments. The research will design and analyze noise-robust algorithms for quantum state characterization, develop methods for classifying quantum states and analyzing their behavior under noise exposure, and create approaches for learning quantum states from preparation devices with optimal performance identification. The deliverables combine quantum information theory and optimization techniques to produce algorithms with provable performance capabilities.

The project will additionally support education and workforce development in quantum information science through student training and educational initiatives including summer camps and lecture materials designed to prepare the future quantum computing workforce. By addressing fundamental challenges in quantum state learning and noise mitigation, this research will contribute to the development of scalable, fault-tolerant quantum hardware and enable reliable implementation of advanced quantum algorithms—essential capabilities for verifying quantum devices, developing quantum algorithms, securing quantum communication systems, and advancing quantum technologies for scientific computing applications.