"By putting students directly in contact with active research challenges and real commercialization questions, the practicum is designed to help close the gap between academic discovery and industry-ready quantum tools," said Jennifer Flatté, Chief Executive Officer of QuantCAD and project lead for QuantCAD.

The practicum reflects QuantCAD's ongoing commitment to translating quantum research into practical, deployable technology while helping prepare the next generation of scientists and engineers. By combining technical problem-solving with commercialization planning, QuantCAD's program is intended to give students experience that extends beyond the laboratory and exposes them to the challenges of bringing emerging quantum technologies into real-world use.

The broader DQS-CP project also will build the workforce needed to support a growing U.S. quantum ecosystem. The testbed will coordinate collaboration between the quantum creator and end-user communities to develop a roadmap to quantum advantage, aligning research activities with critical needs in science and industry. Students participating in the DQS-CP program will be mentored within a highly interdisciplinary and convergent environment, while the testbed provides a platform for hands-on workforce training for researchers and end users from both academia and industry.

"We are very happy to see this substantial NSF investment into researcher training for careers in the emerging U.S. quantum industry sector." said Dr. Michael Flatté, Chief Science Officer of QuantCAD. "This is especially vital for U.S. quantum startups like QuantCAD but also critical for other U.S. quantum technology companies." 

Through its partnership with Ohio State and the National Quantum Virtual Laboratory, QuantCAD is helping build the technical foundation, workforce, and commercialization pathways needed to accelerate quantum sensing from promising research to practical technology. By combining education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and application-driven research, the DQS-CP initiative aims to strengthen the nation's quantum innovation ecosystem and prepare the next generation of leaders in the field.