DOE, Fermilab, and Qblox Partner to Commercialize QICK Platform and Boost Quantum Workforce

Office of Technology Commercialization WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Technology Commercialization today announced the signing of a finalized agreement between Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) and Qblox. Under this formalized partnership, Qblox will officially begin commercializing the Quantum Instrumentation Control Kit (QICK) in the United States and establish targeted workforce development programs using the platform.

Facilitated by DOE’s Office of Technology Commercialization, this finalized agreement marks a major milestone in advancing U.S. capabilities in quantum computing, sensing, and networking.

Developed by Fermilab, QICK is an open-source platform for managing quantum readouts and controls. It plays a critical role in synchronizing quantum processors and sensors, making it a foundational technology for the growing quantum ecosystem.

Through this Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) and full licensing arrangement, Qblox—a leader in control and readout electronics that bridge quantum and classical systems—will drive two primary initiatives:

• Commercialization and Supply Chain: Coordinating the manufacturing, distribution, and commercialization of QICK to ensure a robust, domestically supported quantum supply chain.
• Workforce Development: Building and launching educational and training programs that utilize QICK to give students and professionals hands-on experience, cultivating a highly skilled talent pool for the U.S. quantum industry.

“This finalized agreement demonstrates how DOE’s National Laboratories and private industry can work together to successfully commercialize quantum technologies while strengthening U.S. manufacturing and workforce capabilities,” said Energy Department Under Secretary for Science Dr. Darío Gil. “By supporting the transition of QICK from research to full commercial production, we are laying the groundwork for scalable, interoperable quantum systems that serve national and scientific priorities.”

“With this agreement officially signed, Qblox is excited to begin the commercialization of this Made-in-the-USA platform,” said Qblox Founder & CEO Niels Bultink. “This collaboration underscores our commitment to open-source development and to advancing the U.S. quantum ecosystem. By building dedicated workforce training programs around QICK, we are helping to strengthen America’s quantum infrastructure and cement the nation’s position as a global leader in quantum technology.”

Together, DOE, Fermilab, and Qblox have created a scalable model for public-private collaboration—one that ensures key elements of the quantum supply chain are developed and built domestically while simultaneously training the next generation of quantum innovators.

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