Checking out Microsoft’s latest quantum hardware at IEEE Quantum Week 2025

Author: Darren Blount | Major: Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science | Semester: Fall 2025

My name is Darren Blount, and I am majoring in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, and Computational Physics with a minor in Data Analytics at the University of Arkansas. My research aims to solve combinatorial optimization problems using quantum computers. More specifically, I am researching ways to construct the most efficient routes for deliveries while adhering to various constraints such as time windows, capacity, and distance, to name a few. You can only imagine how many ways 50 trucks making 120 deliveries could be arranged, infeasible to calculate with normal computers. My work has the potential to revolutionize logistics by making previously impossible solutions feasible.

I traveled to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to attend IEEE Quantum Week 2025, one of the top-tier conferences in quantum computing research. The trip was an opportunity to informally present my work, learn about cutting-edge developments in the field, and connect with researchers and industry professionals.

Through outstanding talks specifically focused on quantum combinatorial optimization, I discovered several new directions to explore as I shape my thesis. These insights came from both theoretical presentations and practical demonstrations that showed how current algorithms could be improved or adapted for different problem sets. I am expanding my research to involve drone scheduling, and because of my attendance at IEEE Quantum Week, I have more insight into this area.

While I didn’t formally present my work at this conference, the discussions I had with researchers provided valuable feedback on my current approaches. More importantly, I was introduced to quantum applications that were completely new to me—ranging from trapped ion systems to photonics to topological qubits—which really showed me the vast scope of quantum computing and helped me understand how my optimization work fits into the broader field.

Networking was a major highlight of the experience. I especially valued the opportunity to speak with software engineers at major companies like Google, Microsoft, and IBM. These industry discussions were particularly valuable because they helped me bridge the gap between academic quantum research and its real-world applications, giving me insight into how theoretical breakthroughs translate into commercial products and services. My discussions with industry professionals also allowed me to develop a more robust approach to my post-college endeavors.

Moving forward, I plan to incorporate the new research directions I discovered into my thesis work, particularly exploring how some of the novel algorithmic approaches I learned about could enhance my quantum optimization techniques regarding drone scheduling. I’m also following up on several professional connections made during the conference.

The week concluded perfectly with a visit to ABQ BioPark, which provided a wonderful opportunity to explore Albuquerque beyond the convention center. The trip left a lasting impression that makes me eager to return with more time to fully explore Albuquerque.

I am deeply grateful to the University of Arkansas Honors College and the University of Arkansas Electrical Engineering and Computer Science for supporting this opportunity, and to Dr. Khoa Luu for his mentorship and guidance that made this experience possible. Thank you also to IEEE for hosting such an exceptional event that successfully brought together research, industry, and community in one inspiring week.