Policy Factsheet

The Technology of the Future: Securing U.S. Quantum Competitiveness

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Action

Members of Congress should reintroduce and support the reauthorization of the National Quantum Initiative Act to safeguard U.S. national security and competitiveness.

What Is Quantum Information Science?

Quantum information science (QIS) has the potential to revolutionize computing, communication, and sensing technologies by exploiting exotic quantum effects to circumvent “classical” physical limitations.

Infographic highlighting applications of quantum technologies in sensing, communication, and computing across fields like medical imaging, secure communications, and materials science.

National Quantum Initiative Act (NQIA) Achievements Across the U.S.

The 2018 NQIA resulted in 14 multidisciplinary QIS centers, accelerating innovation across the science agencies and training the future Quantum Workforce.

Map of the united states showing large yellow dots representing Quantum Centers in California, Colorado, Illinois, Tennessee, New York, Connecticut, and Maryland, overlaid with a series of smaller green dots representing Quantum Partners in Washington, Oregon, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Illinois, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and North Carolina

U.S. Quantum Leadership at Risk

The 2018 NQIA laid a strong foundation for the U.S. QIS ecosystem, but competitor nations’ efforts and advances are outpacing us. Continuous robust investment is required to build the U.S. quantum workforce and improve U.S. leadership in this field.

Quantum Technologies

Chart showing share of global research output to share of top 10% most-cited research

Source: Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, “How Innovative is China in Quantum”

Reauthorizing the NQIA Is Essential to Securing U.S. Quantum Competitiveness

The National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act builds on the 2018 NQIA, expanding its scope to include more technology development and to strengthen the domestic supply chain. The reauthorization:

  • Renews and expands existing National QIS Research Centers

  • Create a multidisciplinary hub focused on quantum curriculum and workforce development, as well as quantum technology R&D testbeds

  • Establishes up to 3 NIST centers on quantum engineering, sensing, and measurement

  • Establishes “Quantum Foundries” at DOE to meet the device and material needs of the quantum supply chain

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