Draft White House Order Mobilizes Agencies for Quantum Tech Push
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The White House is mobilizing a sweeping, whole-of-government effort to accelerate the development of quantum technologies, according to a draft executive order obtained by Nextgov/FCW. Dated February 3, 2026, the order tasks the director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), alongside the secretaries of Energy, Defense, and Commerce, with establishing a national vision to maintain U.S. leadership in this critical field. Key initiatives include lowering commercial barriers, strengthening supply chains, and crucially, building a quantum computer for scientific applications and discovery – or QCSAD – with at least one facility run by the Department of Energy. This push aims to update the National Quantum Strategy, first released in 2018, and ensure the U.S. remains at the “forefront of innovation in quantum technologies.” Executive Order Prioritizes U.S.
Quantum Technology Leadership A forthcoming executive order signals a major U.S. commitment to quantum information sciences and technology, establishing what officials describe as a “whole-of-government approach” to bolstering the nation’s position. leadership in this rapidly evolving field. Key policy actions include reducing barriers to commercialization and improving access to international markets, alongside continued investment in fundamental scientific research. Within 180 days of signing, these leaders—along with the directors of National Intelligence and the National Science Foundation—will begin updating the National Quantum Strategy, originally released in 2018. This update will incorporate feedback from the National Science and Technology Council Subcommittees on Quantum Information Science and the Economic and Security Implications of Quantum Science. Agencies will then have 30 days to report plans for implementing the strategy’s objectives to the OSTP director and the Office of Management and Budget director. The Department of Commerce will simultaneously develop a plan to “de-risk” investments in commercial quantum companies, while Energy, Commerce, and Defense will collaborate to establish a Center of Excellence for assessing quantum computing capabilities within 180 days. Furthermore, the order prioritizes quantum sensors and networking, requesting five-year roadmaps from Energy, Commerce, NSF, and NASA to expand these areas, and will reconstitute the National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee, originally established by the 2018 National Quantum Initiative Act. OSTP, Agencies to Update National Quantum Strategy The aim is to establish “a whole-of-government approach to bolstering the U.S.” in quantum technologies. Beyond strategy, the order mandates swift action. The goal is to stimulate domestic development of quantum-enabling technologies and cultivate a skilled workforce, with NSF initiating a network of National QIST Education and Teaching Institutes. QCSAD Development & Commercial Quantum Investment Plans This initiative will actively engage private sector partners, aiming to accelerate the delivery of QCSAD’s capabilities to the broader scientific community. Beyond hardware, the order emphasizes advancements in quantum sensors and networking, envisioning a distributed network of quantum computing resources. Agencies including Energy, Commerce, NSF, and NASA are tasked with submitting five-year roadmaps outlining their plans for expanding these crucial technologies, with each agency defining specific application areas. Further incentivizing private sector involvement, the document proposes utilizing prize challenges and advanced market commitments to stimulate the development of essential quantum components.
Senators Todd Young and Maria Cantwell introduced a reauthorization version in early 2026, demonstrating continued bipartisan support. The order outlines a widespread effort to plan for increased quantum innovation, private sector cooperation and international partnership in pursuit of a quantum computer for scientific applications and discovery. Workforce Expansion & International Quantum Partnerships The forthcoming executive order prioritizes a robust domestic quantum workforce, recognizing its crucial role in sustaining U.S. Crucially, the Secretary of Labor will partner with NSF to meticulously track statistics, measuring the nation’s progress in building a skilled quantum workforce—a vital step for long-term innovation. Beyond domestic growth, the order emphasizes strategic international partnerships, with a particular focus on trade as a key component. The Department of Commerce, alongside the International Trade Administration and the U.S. Trade Representative, will actively identify and recommend solutions to address “foreign trade barriers, discriminatory treatment and other policies hindering U.S.” quantum technology exports. This proactive approach signals a commitment to fostering global collaboration while safeguarding American interests in the rapidly evolving quantum landscape. Furthermore, the order directs agencies to explore innovative methods, such as “prize challenges, advanced market commitments and other methods” to incentivize private sector development of essential quantum components. Source: https://www.nextgov.com/emerging-tech/2026/02/draft-quantum-order-tasks-many-agencies-reinvigorating-techs-development/411152/?oref=ngfcw_alert_nl Tags: