ORNL: Quantum Computing User Forum Highlights Advances in Research

Annual forum highlights ORNL’s leadership in advancing hybrid quantum-HPC technologies and building the future quantum computing workforce

Aug. 20, 2026 — Researchers, software developers and technology leaders from across the global quantum computing ecosystem gathered at the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in July for the seventh annual Quantum Computing User Forum (QCUF). The event highlighted ORNL’s leadership in advancing the future of computing through quantum technologies integrated with high-performance computing.

Attendees gathered for the seventh annual Quantum Computing User Forum. Credit: Alonda Hines/ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy

Hosted by the Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility (OLCF), the forum welcomed 184 attendees, including users of the Quantum Computing User Program (QCUP), as well as researchers from universities, industry and national laboratories.

QCUP provides researchers around the world with cloud-based access to leading quantum computing systems, allowing scientists to explore how quantum computing can support a broad range of research applications. The program is part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Quantum User Expansion for Science and Technology (QUEST) initiative, which seeks to expand access to quantum computing resources for scientific research.