US Department of Energy launches quantum computer development competition - Global Government Forum

The US Department of Energy has launched a US$215m competition that aims to accelerate the development and deployment of quantum computers.In a notice published on 17 September, the Department of Energy (DOE) invited domestic firms to demonstrate the “world’s first fault-tolerant scientifically relevant quantum computers (SRQCs)” capable of tackling “currently intractable” problems in chemistry, materials, physics, and applied mathematics.Applicants are invited to submit proposals to deploy quantum computers “with at least 100 logical qubits that are capable of performing hundreds of millions fault-tolerant operations and scientific demonstration programs”, the government notice said. Quantum computing is an emerging technology that processes information using principles of quantum mechanics rather than traditional binary logic. Unlike binary systems, where computing bits are given values of 0 or 1 from computing code, quantum bits (qubits) can represent 0, 1, or both simultaneously. This allows qubits to exist in multiple states at the same time, enabling parallel paths in computer programs, and therefore the potential for massive increases in processing power.“Through the Quantum Genesis Q Competition, we are building a new era of computational power for the nation through innovative public-private partnerships,” said Darío Gil, the US under secretary for science. “This competition will enable new quantum computing capabilities and unleash new computational frontiers, driving new scientific and technological discoveries that have previously only been theorised.” The US$215m in planned funding incentivises firms across two phases. Phase I will provide fixed awards for early milestones, worth up to US$1.5m per awardee. This comprises an initial US$250,000 for participants who submit a detailed technical plan approved by the DOE, and a further US$1.25m for those who submit a prototype device.The remaining funding will be spilt between phase II participants “who successfully demonstrate a device” that can operate at its targeted goal of between 100 and 200 logical qubits.In a press call ahead of the initiative’s launch, Gil said previous engagement with quantum-focused partners provided “very, very ample feedback” that development of a first-generation scientifically relevant quantum computer is possible, according to Government Executive. To ensure the US leads the global quantum computing tech race, Gil said the DOE realised it could leverage the work of the commercial sector “to allow both collaboration and competition to take place… to bring the best of the competitive spirits”.Applications for the competition are due by 19 October. Read more:UK government to launch AI research lab to support ‘bold, high-risk’ innovationUK government announces backing of British AI companies under new sovereign fundThe DOE has also launched an accompanying “quantum high-performance computing validation and verification testbed lab call”. “Deploying a first-of-a-kind, scientifically relevant quantum computing capability requires rigorous tools to characterise and validate every layer of the computing stack – from physical hardware and quantum gates to logical architectures, quantum algorithms and applications, and classical control systems,” it said. “The lab call will draw on the expertise of DOE’s national laboratories to establish these essential capabilities for the Q Competition.”Lab call applications are open to DOE’s network of national laboratories and total planned funding for the effort is US$45m.The competition and lab call support the goals outlined in the President’s Executive Order on Ushering in the Next Frontier of Quantum Innovation and builds on the recommendations made in the Blueprint for DOE Quantum Supercomputing and the Office of Science Advisory Committee report on a Path to an Integrated Quantum Future. Read more: What is the largest transformation in how government works in more than a century? Digital leaders on AI agents, sovereignty, innovation labs and moreThe competition is part of the Quantum Genesis initiative launched by the DOE in June. Its aim is to develop and deploy the world’s first fault-tolerant quantum computer for scientific research by 2028.The “ambitious” initiative is “designed to usher in a new era of computational power for the nation to accelerate scientific discovery and innovation”, the DOE said at the time. In the announcement of Quantum Genesis, Michael Kratsios, assistant to the president and director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, said that it would “strengthen US competitiveness, drive breakthroughs that classical systems cannot achieve, and ensure America remains at the forefront of one of the most consequential technologies of our time”.Gil added: “Just as telescopes allowed us to explore the cosmos, advanced quantum computers will enable us to peer into the fundamental laws of nature with unparalleled precision”.Quantum Genesis – which is part of the US government’s broader Genesis Mission – comprises the Quantum Genesis Q Competition; the National Quantum Supercomputing User Facility, where US scientists and engineers will be able to access advanced quantum computing systems; and focused R&D for quantum computing applications.For the latter, the DOE will bring together universities, national laboratories, and industry partners with deep domain expertise “to define and advance” high-impact use cases for quantum computers. Sign up: The Global Government Forum newsletter provides the latest news, interviews and features on AI, data, workforce, and sustainability in governmentMia has been editor of globalgovernmentforum.com since 2019. She has 15 years’ experience as a journalist and editor and specialises in writing for civil and public servants worldwide, including covering sustainability policy and related issues. She has led the Global Government Women’s Network since it launched in 2023. Previously, she covered commercial property having been market reports and supplements editor at Property Week and deputy editor at Retail Destination. She graduated from Kingston University London with a first-class honours degree in journalism and was part of the team that produced The River newspaper, which won Publication of the Year at the Guardian Student Media Awards in 2010.Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *Comment * Name * Email * Δ