Advances by CBA researchers at this boundary between bits and atoms have ranged from what were among the first complete quantum computations to recoding the genome to universal digital logic with microfluidic bubbles that transport materials as well as information to coded folding for programming matter to intelligent infrastructure for energy efficiency to rapid-prototyping of housing. Along with its publications, CBA hosts topical workshops to gather emerging research communities.
CBA was founded by Profs. Isaac Chuang, Neil Gershenfeld, Joseph Jacobson and Scott Manalis, with Marvin Minsky, and continues to be led by Dr. Gershenfeld. It was launched by a National Science Foundation award in 2001 that supported the creation of a unique shared facility to make and measure structures from atoms to buildings, used by researchers drawn from across MIT's campus, in both individual projects and collaborative programs. CBA's students come from, and apply through, MIT academic departments including MAS, EECS, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, and Architecture.
CBA continues to be funded by government grants as well as philanthropic gifts and corporate sponsorship. Our sponsors share access to all CBA research, eliminating internal intellectual boundaries based on funding. Supporters (in chronological order) include:
Along with working with existing companies, CBA's graduates have helped start many new ones. CBA's work is shared publicly through outreach programs including a global network of field fab labs that provide widespread access to prototype tools for personal fabrication, and initiation of an office to provide scientific advisors for popular media (which CBA continues to provide).