The Industry Engagement for this year recognises the outstanding achievement by a Trinity researcher or research team in successfully building relationships and collaborating with industry with research programs that have delivered significant value for the university, the enterprise partner(s) and the program sponsors.
John and Stefano launched the Trinity Quantum Alliance in May 2023 bringing leading industry partners including Microsoft, IBM Horizon Quantum Computing, Algorithmic and Moody's Analytics on as founding partners. The TQA is the first major step to building an organized network for quantum professionals and researchers in Ireland integrating research, education and industry. From an education perspective, John and Stefano have been instrumental in building the MSc in Quantum Science and Technology and pre-doc program that will provide a pipeline of skilled quantum graduates to this under-resourced sector. The TCD-IBM predoctoral program offers Trinity PhD students the opportunity to work as an employee in IBM while being co-supervised at Trinity - this collaboration has already seen a Nature publication in the area of quantum simulation. The TQA will embed research activity across quantum networks, HPC integration and basic quantum science in the university. There are also broader benefits to the Irish research eco-system as one of the founding partners, Horizon Quantum Computing is using the alliance to build its presence in Ireland with the creation of 10 new jobs and co-location in the TQA premises.