National Quantum Initiative
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Quantum information science holds promise for another revolution in technology, with new, more powerful approaches to computing, networking, and sensing.
The National Quantum Initiative is a whole-of-government approach to ensuring the continued leadership of the United States in quantum information science and its technology applications. QUANTUM INFORMATION SCIENCE Quantum Information Science (QIS) emerges from a deeper consideration of how quantum physics (our description of the world at the microscopic level) has implications for information science (how real systems like computers process information). Quantum information technology takes advantage of the fundamentally quantum properties of matter to design new types of computers, sensors, and networks which enable new speed, precision, or functionality.
The National Quantum Initiative is carried out by federal agencies, and includes 14 National QIS Centers and a quantum industry consortium.
The National Quantum Initiative Act, as amended, calls for interagency coordination through the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science and the NSTC Subcommittee on Economic and Security Implications of Quantum Science. The NQI Act also legislated the formation of the National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee to provide independent assessments and recommendations about the National Quantum Initiative. Finally, the NQI Act established the National Quantum Coordination Office to oversee the interagency coordination of the NQI Program, carry out the daily activities needed for coordinating and supporting the NQI, and provide technical and administrative support to the committees. LEGISLATION The National Quantum Initiative was established by the National Quantum Initiative Act in 2018. This act was amended by the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022 and by the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. MORE ↗ QIS CENTERS The National Quantum Initiative (NQI) Act calls for the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish new Centers focusing on QIS research and discovery. These Centers bring together multidisciplinary teams to tackle some of the most complex and urgent problems in quantum information science and engineering. With connections to universities, National Laboratories and industry, these NQI Centers will explore quantum frontiers, stimulate QIS technology development, and expand QIS training opportunities. MORE ↗ The 14 major NQI research centers and their affiliates. Additional NQI-related activities, which span much of the rest of the United States, are not shown. INDUSTRY CONSORTIUM The Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C) is an industry-led consortium of stakeholders that aims to enable and grow the U.S. quantum industry. QED-C was established with support from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as part of the Federal strategy for advancing quantum information science. MORE ↗ COORDINATING BODIES The National Quantum Initiative is carried out by federal agencies and coordinated through NSTC subcommittees on quantum information science and the economic and security implications of quantum science. The NQI Act also established the National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee to provide independent recommendations and the National Quantum Coordination Office to support interagency coordination and daily NQI activities. MORE ↗ AGENCIES Numerous federal agencies are engaged with the National Quantum Initiative. Each agency brings its own unique capabilities and mission needs. MORE ↗