MITRE and Montana State University Collaborate to Secure U.S. Rare Earth Supply for Quantum Technology

Highlights

• MITRE and MSU collaborate to reduce U.S. dependence on Chinese rare earth elements critical for quantum technologies
• Partnership focuses on developing domestic material alternatives using AI and advanced research techniques
• Initiative aims to strengthen national security, workforce development, and technological innovation in quantum sciences

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MITRE (opens in a new tab) and Montana State University (opens in a new tab) (MSU) have launched a strategic partnership to address U.S. dependence on Chinese rare earth elements critical for advancing quantum technology. Signed under a memorandum of understanding in August, the collaboration focuses on developing domestic alternatives to rare earth materials, particularly those essential for quantum computing and sensor technologies, such as holmium copper used in cryocoolers. By leveraging advanced tools like artificial intelligence and density functional theory, the joint research aims to identify and catalog functional materials that can replace currently imported elements, reducing vulnerabilities in critical supply chains and bolstering U.S. economic and national security.

The partnership also extends to workforce development, with MITRE creating employment pathways for MSU students, including internships, mentorship programs, and exposure to skills needed in cybersecurity and other government technology fields. Additionally, the initiative seeks to strengthen regional innovation through MSU’s ties with the Headwaters Tech Hub and its annual Critical Resource Summit, positioning Montana as a key player in quantum and material sciences research.

While the collaboration has ambitious goals, limitations remain. The success of identifying viable domestic materials hinges on overcoming significant technical and economic barriers, such as scaling material discoveries for commercial use and ensuring competitiveness with China’s well-established infrastructure. Furthermore, the assumption that artificial intelligence models and density functional theory will reliably accelerate discoveries may underestimate the complexity of material behavior in real-world applications.

Nevertheless, this partnership is a critical step toward reducing U.S. reliance on foreign rare earth processing, advancing cutting-edge quantum technologies, and cultivating a skilled workforce to support emerging national security priorities. If successful, MITRE and MSU’s work could play a pivotal role in reshaping America’s rare earth and quantum innovation landscape.