# MIT researchers develop system for evaluating scale-up potential of quantum materials

_Friday, June 26, 2026 at 8:27 PM EDT · science · Latest · Tier 2 — Notable_

![MIT researchers develop system for evaluating scale-up potential of quantum materials — Primary](https://news.mit.edu/sites/default/files/images/202510/MIT_Quantum-Potential-01.jpg)

MIT researchers have developed a framework for evaluating the scale-up potential of quantum materials. The system integrates assessments of quantum behavior with factors including cost, supply chain resilience, and environmental footprint. 

Researchers applied the framework to more than 16,000 topological materials. They assigned scores based on environmental impact, price, import resilience, and related criteria. The approach also incorporated an AI model to quantify quantum weight, a measure of a material's quantum properties.

The study found a strong correlation between higher quantum weight and greater expense or environmental damage. Researchers identified 200 environmentally sustainable materials and narrowed the list to 31 candidates that balance quantum functionality with sustainability. 

The paper was published in Materials Today. Senior author Mingda Li, associate professor of nuclear science and engineering at MIT, said researchers studying quantum materials often resist considering costs and environmental factors during fundamental research but predicted this will change within 10 years. Co-first authors include PhD students Artittaya Boonkird, Mouyang Cheng, and Abhijatmedhi Chotrattanapituk.

Several co-authors noted that industry seeks low-cost options and that scalability and environmental considerations are critical for practical adoption. The work was supported in part by the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Energy.

## Sources

- [MIT News](https://news.mit.edu/2025/why-some-quantum-materials-stall-while-others-scale-1015)

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Publisher: Tech & Business (techandbusiness.org)