The Silicon Forest is Growing: Welcome to Oregon’s Quantum Computing Revolution
In the heart of the Pacific Northwest, neighbor to the mighty Columbia River and resting under the shadow of majestic Mount Hood, lies Oregon, affectionately known as the “Beaver State”. But don’t be fooled by the old-fashioned nickname or the hipster coffee shops that pepper the cultural hub of Portland. Oregon has steadily built a reputation as a tech powerhouse, gently cradling innovation among its verdant landscapes. The Silicon Forest (a cheeky nod to California’s Silicon Valley) continues to expand with a burgeoning quantum computing revolution.
Keeping Time with Quantum Clocks: Welcome to Eugene
Cross the stunning Willamette Valley, home to some world-class Pinot Noir, and you’ll land in Eugene. A city renowned for its laidback, artsy vibe, and of course, home of the Ducks at the beautiful University of Oregon campus. But it isn’t just the heady scent of roses and cascading Spanish moss that’s notable here. Ripples in the realm of quantum computing can be felt strongly in the laboratories of this city.
The research team at the Oregon Center for Optical, Molecular, and Quantum Science, located on the UO campus, has been tinkering away with path-breaking quantum developments, like the quantum logic clock. By transporting this theory from chalkboards to laboratories, they are subtly reshaping the foundation of future technologies. This isn’t just a workforce punching the clock; they’re rebuilding the clock entirely on a quantum level.
Tech Trek to the Top: Hillsboro’s Quantum Quest
Ease on up Highway 26, cutting through the lush Tillamook State Forest, green as free-range, grass-fed, all-natural chicken eggs—and you’ll hit Hillsboro. Known as Oregon’s ‘Tech City’, it’s nestled comfortably amid rolling farmlands and hiking trails like the Rock Creek Trail that serpentines beautifully around the city.
They’re not just growing marionberries and hazelnuts here in Hillsboro; this is where tech giants Intel and Synopsis have massive campuses, and where sustainability marries technology. You’ll also discover quantum computing startups, spearheading novel research and setting the bar high for tech developments in Oregon.
Among these is the SQN System, a quantum computing startup that has been contributing to the revolution since its inception. Abuzz with non-locality, superposition, and entanglement, Hillsboro is where your dreams of a quantum world transition from the realm of the fantastic into everyday reality making the city not just a point on a map, but a landmark on the technological frontier.
Return to the Rose City: Quantum Computing in Portland
Portland, aka “PDX” or “Rose City,” with Powell’s City of Books whispering tales of the bygone era, and Voodoo Doughnut serving up maple bacon bars that don’t skimp on the bacon, has also proven to be a critical player in Oregon’s quantum revolution. Exploring the city’s expanding tech scene is like a walk along the Tom McCall Waterfront Park—vivacious, scenic, and full of surprises.
At Portland State University, you’ll find a team of bright minds participating in the quantum race. The Fariborz Maseeh Department of Mathematics & Statistics is home to several quantum-related research projects, each contributing in ways big and small to the growth of Oregon’s quantum landscape. The department is full of folks who are more familiar with qubits than they are with Powell’s rare book room.
From Beaver State to Quantum State
Sure, Oregon may have gained fame for its microbreweries, its notorious rainfall, and let’s not forget – the world’s smallest park, Mill Ends Park. But the Silicon Forest is blossoming into a quantum computing sanctuary. From Eugene’s innovative clocks to Hillsboro’s tech-fueled dreams and all the way back to the cutting-edge research in Portland, the Beaver State is quickly transforming into the Quantum State.
In this neck of the woods, quantum computing isn’t just a high-tech trend; it’s a testament to Oregon’s enduring spirit of curiosity and innovation. The quirky essence of our state shines through, integrating revolutionary science with our unique and beloved culture. So, whether you’re a local or a visitor, why not take a break from chasing food trucks in Portland, hiking Multnomah Falls, or sipping coffee in Bend, and get to know the quantum side of Oregon.
The timeline of the Quantum Computing Revolution in Oregon is still being drafted, and each day we add a new line to the story. A story born out of curiosity, nurtured by innovation, and celebrated in every tech lab scattered across this great green state. So here’s an open invitation to explore further, engage deeper, and join us as we code the future one quantum bit at a time.