WISER and DFKI Announce Strategic Partnership to Advance Quantum AI Research and Workforce Development

Washington, D.C. and Kaiserslautern, Germany | September 15, 2026

The Washington Institute for STEM, Entrepreneurship and Research (WISER) and the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI), one of the world’s leading artificial intelligence research centers, are pleased to announce a new strategic collaboration focused on advancing research, education, and workforce development at the intersection of artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

The partnership brings together WISER’s expertise in quantum workforce development, applied research, and research translation with DFKI’s extensive capabilities in machine learning, human-AI interaction, and applied intelligent systems.

Together, the organizations aim to create a collaborative platform that accelerates quantum-AI research while preparing the researchers, practitioners, and emerging talent needed to move these technologies from research into real-world application.

“Grounded in rigorous science, we’re bringing research, industry, and workforce development together with DFKI to help advance quantum computing and AI responsibly,” said Prachi Vakharia, WISER.

From Shared Vision to Coordinated Action

Artificial intelligence and quantum computing are increasingly being explored as complementary technologies with potential applications across sensing, optimization, communications, and scientific discovery.

Realizing that potential, however, requires more than technical advancement alone. It also requires coordinated research infrastructure, interdisciplinary talent, strong connections between research and industry, and sustained investment in workforce development.

Through this partnership, WISER and DFKI will collaborate across several key areas:

• Joint quantum-AI research: Supporting research at the intersection of artificial intelligence and quantum computing, including applications in sensing, communications, optimization, and scientific discovery.

• Education and workforce development: Co-developing learning opportunities and workforce programs that prepare researchers and practitioners to work across both quantum and AI.

• Research translation and ecosystem development: Strengthening connections among researchers, industry, educators, and other stakeholders to accelerate the movement of emerging technologies toward practical application.

• National and international collaboration: Supporting a broader workforce and research strategy that connects quantum-AI expertise across institutions and geographic regions.

• Advanced computing access: Working to expand opportunities for researchers and industry partners involved in joint initiatives to access high-performance computing and quantum computing resources.

“Entanglement begins with close interaction. By bringing our expertise in quantum-AI together, we shape a partnership that works as more than the sum of its parts. We are further advancing the field together with WISER while helping build the quantum ecosystem and workforce needed to realize its potential across science, industry, and society,” said Dr. Maximilian Kiefer-Emmanouilidis, DFKI.

Why This Partnership Matters

Quantum computing and artificial intelligence are both rapidly evolving fields, but building practical capabilities at their intersection requires institutions that can bridge research, education, workforce development, and industry engagement.

DFKI brings deep expertise in applied artificial intelligence, machine learning, and human-AI interaction. WISER brings experience developing quantum education and workforce initiatives, translating emerging research for broader audiences, and convening partners across academia and industry.

By combining these complementary strengths, WISER and DFKI can pursue opportunities collaboratively rather than in parallel, supporting a stronger pathway from foundational research to education, talent development, and eventual application.

The partnership also reflects a broader need for international collaboration as investment in both quantum technologies and artificial intelligence continues to grow across the United States and Europe.

For WISER, the collaboration represents another step toward building an interconnected quantum workforce and research ecosystem that gives students, researchers, educators, and industry professionals opportunities to engage with emerging technologies in meaningful and practical ways.

WISER founder Prachi Vakharia visiting DFKI in Kaiserslautern. From left to right: Akash Malemath (DFKI), Prachi Vakharia (WISER), Maximilian Kiefer-Emmanouilidis (DFKI), Yannick Werner (DFKI), and Lars Krupp (DFKI).

About WISER

The Washington Institute for STEM, Entrepreneurship and Research (WISER) is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. WISER advances applied research and development across quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computational science for commercial, government, and academic partners around the world.

WISER also develops educational programs and workforce initiatives designed to make emerging technologies more accessible, practical, and connected to real-world research and industry needs.

WISER’s work includes exploring quantum advantage, evaluating quantum-safe security, benchmarking emerging technologies, developing novel algorithms, and building educational experiences that help learners and professionals navigate rapidly evolving technical fields.

Partners include E.ON, Vanguard, the Naval Nuclear Laboratory, Classiq, Fraunhofer ITWM, and others.

About DFKI

The German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI) is one of the world’s leading research centers in artificial intelligence. DFKI conducts research across a broad range of AI disciplines and works closely with academic, industry, and public-sector partners to translate research into practical applications.

Its work spans areas including machine learning, intelligent systems, human-machine interaction, and emerging applications of artificial intelligence and quantum technologies.