University students
Are eager to work on quantum computing but lack a clear, credible way to begin.
A University Quantum Research Program
From interested, to competent, to compensated.
Do Quantum is a free, nonprofit program that guides university students from curious about quantum computing to doing real, mentored research, connecting them with the people, tools, and problems defining the field.
Cohort applications open each fall, in September. In the meantime, get in touch.
- 0Researchers last year
- 0Research teams
- 0University chapters
- 0Acceptance, free to all
Chapters at UCLA · University of Maryland · University of Virginia
The Premise
Quantum advances faster than any curriculum can follow.
We are not a course. We are a connector, giving university students direct access to the knowledge, opportunities, and people in quantum computing. The right person opens doors that no curriculum can.
Researchers & faculty
Want to advance the field but face real constraints on their time.
Companies
Need trained talent to explore quantum proofs of concept.
Do Quantum brings all three together.
The Program
A guided path from first principles to published research.
Over a single academic year, we carry a beginner to a genuine research contribution, with just enough structure and the right people at every step.
- 01
Foundations
A rigorous, hands-on introduction to the mathematics behind every quantum project.
- 02
Choose a track
Specialize in algorithms or architecture, on a problem that matters to you.
- 03
Form a team
Build a small, focused team around a single, well-defined research question.
- 04
Work with an advisor
Get matched with experienced researchers and faculty who mentor your team.
- 05
Present at the symposium
Package your work into a paper and poster, and present to faculty, industry, and peers.
Two Tracks
Specialize in algorithms or architecture.
Within either track, researchers can explore what's possible (what quantum may one day make real) or create value today on problems that matter now.
Algorithms
Develop and test new quantum algorithms. Researchers design, implement, and benchmark algorithms, probing what quantum computers will eventually make possible, or finding advantage on problems that matter now.
Explore what's possible
Create value today
Architecture
Use software to design and test larger, more accurate quantum hardware systems. Researchers model and simulate hardware, exploring the architectures of the future, or improving the fidelity and scale of systems today.
Explore what's possible
Create value today
Impact
A model that already delivers results.
The approach is proven at scale, externally competitive, and built to compound each year.
0 teams · 0 researchers
In a single year at the University of Maryland, Do Quantum launched 18 research teams of 73 researchers, each guided by an advisor and a clearly scoped objective.
2nd place, twice
At the 2025 Global Industry Challenge, presented at Quantum World Congress, our students were runners-up in two of the five industry challenges: MITRE's infrastructure track (molecular simulation) and the life-sciences track (computational biology), against a field of 88 teams from 24 countries.
Credit & careers
Participants have earned course credit for research practicum and moved into quantum-computing internships and continued research.
Our Principles
Interest is the biggest predictor of competence.
Anyone, not everyone
Anyone interested can join, but not everyone stays: members show interest to join and consistent interest to continue, keeping the program excellent for students, advisors, and partners.
Serve students first
Education exists for the students, so we work backwards from the best interest of the people who trust us to guide them. That shapes every leadership decision.
Structure with agency
We balance structure with flexibility to give every member exactly the level of agency they want. Some need close guidance; others need room to figure it out for themselves.
More than researchers
We built this for entrepreneurs, and for people who just want to do great work, to meet others like them, not to become our researchers.
Embrace being wrong
Discovering that you are wrong is how you get closer to the truth. We value honesty over comfort.
Make useful, unique contributions
Advancing practical applications, theory, and entrepreneurship in quantum computing.
Get Involved
However you come to quantum, there's a place for you.
Students
Join free at UCLA, UMD, or UVA. Learn the foundations and do real research with a team and an advisor.
Apply to a cohortApplications open each fall, in September.
Researchers & faculty
Advise a team and multiply your impact with a fraction of the time investment.
Become an advisorCompanies
Access emerging talent and explore scoped quantum proofs of concept.
Partner with usOur Chapters
Three universities, and growing.
Do Quantum runs in-person chapters with the same program, tracks, and standards at each.
UCLA
University of California, Los Angeles
UMD
University of Maryland, College Park
UVA
University of Virginia, Charlottesville
Studying somewhere else?
You can still do quantum research with us. Choose the path that fits.
Connect with a research team
Wherever you study, if you are serious about quantum research we will introduce you to our project teams. Meet them, share what you are interested in, and if it is a fit, you will work together.
Connect with a teamStart a chapter at your university
Bring Do Quantum to your campus and build a community of quantum researchers, with our playbook, network, and support behind you.
Start a chapterGet In Touch
Tell us how you want to get involved.
Whether you want to start a chapter, connect with a research team, advise a team, or partner with us as a company, you're in the right place. Tell us a bit about yourself, choose what you're after, and we will follow up.
Cohorts run each academic year · Acceptance is open to every student genuinely interested
Guiding anyone from interested,
to competent, to compensated.
Cohort applications open each fall, in September.