Data & Quantum Science Center

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Data & Quantum Science Center

A Hub for Innovation in Data Science and Quantum Engineering

Data Science (DS) and Quantum Information Science and Engineering (QISE) are far-reaching and rapidly evolving, multifaceted domains in science and engineering that are playing an increasingly central role in shaping our future society. UMass Boston's Data and Quantum Science Center (DataQS) acts as a hub, bringing together groups of scientists, researchers, students, and trainees to promote interdisciplinary research and dissemination activities, undergraduate and graduate mentoring, and postdoctoral training under the ever-growing umbrella of DS and QISE.

Quantum Jumpstart Initiative

Are you a small business ready to jump-start your quantum ideas or quantum technology out of the lab and into the marketplace? The Quantum Jumpstart Initiative is a new pilot program funded through the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech). Run by UMass Boston's DataQS Center, this Initiative is designed to accelerate commercialization in the QISE sector.

Details & Application

Apply to the Quantum Jumpstart Initiative

Benefits

The Quantum Jumpstart Initiative's grant funding is a pathway to jumpstart your ideas. The program offers:

Seed grants of up to $30K: Funding to develop products or explore new QISE applications.
Collaboration opportunities: Pairing with academics and industry members in the Collaborative Network to share expertise and expand core competencies.
Visibility & outreach: Press releases highlighting your company’s work and successes.
Resource leverage: Combine with resources provided by the UMass Core Facilities for a powerful multiplier effect.
Business support: Access to UMass Boston's Venture Development Center (VDC) and Global Entrepreneur in Residence (GEIR) program.
Future growth pathways: Guidance toward SBIR/STTR grants, Mass Ventures STAR funding, and venture capital.

Don’t miss this chance to Jumpstart your quantum journey. Apply to the Quantum Jumpstart Initiative and take your innovation from idea to impact!

Eligibility

Must be working on technology related to the QISE sector
Organizations must have 25 or fewer employees
Preference will be given to proposing organizations headquartered in Massachusetts, but organizations located elsewhere in the nation are also encouraged to apply.

Eligible Expenses & Required Deliverable

All funds must be used toward the development or marketing of the proposed product or service in the QISE space
Grant funded expenses must be incurred after the proposal award date and within 12 months from that date.
A final report will be required at the end of the funding period.

Timeline

October 8, 2025 – Applications Open
January 9, 2026 – Applications Due
February 2, 2026 – Award Announcements
April 2, 2027 – Final Progress Report Due from Award Recipients

Submission Instructions

Complete the Quantum Jumpstart Initiative online application form. Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on January 9, 2026.

Application Form

Supported by a grant from Massachusetts Technology Collaborative

Expand Quantum Information Programs

UMass Boston was awarded a $5 million grant, Expand QUantum Information Programs at UMass Boston (EQUIP-UMB), from the National Science Foundation (NSF) through its ExpandQISE program, which aims to develop a broad and multidisciplinary talent pool primed for active participation in the U.S. QISE workforce.

About DataQS

Approved by UMass Boston on April 25, 2024, DataQS was formed on July 1, 2024 and started its operations on September 1, 2024. It builds on the DS cluster hiring of five faculty since 2020 and three QISE faculty positions partially funded by an NSF ExpandQISE “EQUIP-UMB” Award granted in Fall 2023.

Affiliated Program

Quantum Information Certificate

The Quantum Information Certificate program introduces students to the fundamental principles of quantum physics, delving into both its theoretical and experimental foundations.