Department of Energy SCAC report charts path to error-corrected quantum computers

Fermilab chief technology officer Anna Grassellino chaired the Quantum Subcommittee responsible for a new report charting a course toward error-corrected quantum computers, signaling the Department of Energy’s commitment to national quantum computing strategy. The “SCAC Quantum Committee Report: Path to an Integrated Quantum Future” draws on input from hundreds of contributors across academia, industry, and federal agencies, and proposes a shift from hardware-centric goals to measuring success by scientific utility. “Our goal is not simply to build the largest quantum computer; it is to solve problems that are otherwise completely intractable,” states the report, outlining a phased approach to achieve this by 2028. SCAC Roadmap Prioritizes Scientific Utility Over Hardware Metrics This broad collaboration informed the recommendations detailed in the report, signaling a unified approach to advancing quantum capabilities. The report proposes a shift in focus from solely pursuing larger quantum computers to demonstrating tangible scientific utility, a concept articulated by the Department of Energy as a key priority for the future. This milestone-driven roadmap aims to integrate quantum systems with existing DOE infrastructure, including high-performance computing resources and artificial intelligence capabilities. To achieve scientifically useful quantum computers, the SCAC recommends a three-phased framework aligned with the national Quantum Genesis Initiative. Phase I, spanning 2026 to 2028, will establish multidisciplinary pairings of National Labs, universities, and industry to co-design hardware, algorithms, and software. These challenges will drive progress toward specific, milestone-driven scientific targets by 2028. The Department of Energy views this as a historic inflection point and anticipates the United States will lead the next era of discovery through this strategic approach. The SCAC report confirms what many in the scientific community have felt and lays out a path toward an error-corrected quantum computer by 2028, and a long-term vision for a dedicated Quantum Computing User Facility. Three-Phased Framework Targets Error-Corrected Quantum Computing by 2028 Fermilab anticipates collaborative challenges will define the initial stage of a national push toward practical quantum computing, establishing partnerships between National Labs, universities, and industry beginning in 2026. The strategic approach aligns with the national Quantum Genesis Initiative, signaling a coordinated effort to move beyond fundamental research. The second phase envisions a Department of Energy Quantum Computing User Facility, distinct from commercial cloud services, intended as an open scientific instrument. Researchers will collaboratively develop hardware architectures, control systems, and software stacks alongside technology providers, fostering innovation beyond proprietary limitations. This facility will use lessons learned from the initial Grand Challenges, creating a platform for sustained advancement and wider access to quantum resources. The roadmap extends beyond 2030, anticipating a future where quantum computing is not isolated but interwoven with existing scientific infrastructure. The SCAC report emphasizes that every major shift in technology redefines the boundaries of discovery, and quantum computing is rapidly transitioning research into a scientifically capable technology. The committee’s work, charged with charting a milestone-driven path to an error-corrected quantum computer, aims to provide a clear, defined path to success for the field. “With this report as a foundation, Fermilab looks forward to working alongside partners across the national quantum ecosystem toward an integrated quantum future and the next era of scientific discovery. DOE National Labs to Integrate Quantum with HPC & AI Resources Fermilab and partner institutions will establish multidisciplinary challenges pairing national laboratories, universities, and industry to accelerate quantum computing’s scientific utility, according to a recently released roadmap. The strategic approach aims to integrate quantum processors directly into existing classical-quantum workflows, augmenting the Department of Energy’s high-performance computing and artificial intelligence networks. The report details a vision where quantum co-processors, simulators, and sensors become seamlessly integrated into the broader DOE scientific enterprise, enabling advances in areas like drug discovery, catalyst design, fusion materials simulation, and early universe modeling. The Department of Energy is uniquely positioned to lead this transition by using its network of national laboratories, HPC centers, and scientific User Facilities. “We are talking about predicting exact molecular properties for drug discovery, designing transformative catalysts for manufacturing, simulating fusion-relevant materials, and modeling the fundamental physics of the early universe,” the report states. To foster this integration, the SCAC report emphasizes the need to break down traditional barriers between hardware developers and domain scientists. Novel partnership models, including embedded co-design fellowships, joint appointments, and shared technical staff across industry and national labs, are actively being explored. “Breakthrough science occurs when hardware developers and domain scientists work side-by-side,” the report notes, signaling a shift toward collaborative innovation. Fermilab expressed gratitude to the SCAC Quantum Subcommittee members and the hundreds of contributors whose time, ideas, and expertise informed the roadmap, highlighting the broad, collaborative effort driving the national quantum computing strategy. Source: https://news.fnal.gov/2026/09/doe-releases-national-quantum-computing-roadmap-following-field-wide-effort-led-by-scac-subcommittee/ More like thisQuantum Computing Business NewsQC Design’s Meridian AI designs quantum circuits better than expertsQuantum Research NewsResearchers Bound Cardinality of Indistinguishable State SetsQuantum Research NewsQuantum hardware makerspace opens in Maryland with Fermilab’s helpQuantum Research NewsPavia Develops Open Source Tool for Contextuality CalculationsStay currentSee today’s quantum computing news on Quantum Zeitgeist for the latest breakthroughs in qubits, hardware, algorithms, and industry deals. Tags: