Utah Launches Quantum Initiative

Insider BriefPRESS RELEASE — Gov. Spencer J. Cox today signed an executive order establishing the Utah Quantum Initiative, a statewide effort to accelerate research, commercialization, workforce development and advanced manufacturing in quantum technology.The executive order makes quantum technology a priority in Utah’s economic strategy and establishes a Quantum Coordination Council led by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED). The council will bring together leaders from state government, higher education and industry to coordinate Utah’s quantum strategy and better position the state for private investment and federal opportunities.“Quantum technology is going to change how we compute, communicate, manufacture, discover new medicines and defend our country, and Utah has the people and infrastructure to help lead that transformation,” Gov. Cox said. “We already have world-class researchers, a strong semiconductor and advanced manufacturing base, a growing technology sector and important defense assets. This initiative is about connecting those strengths, building a workforce ready for what comes next and making sure the technologies of the future are invented, built and put to work here in Utah.”Quantum technology applies the principles of quantum physics to create new capabilities in computing, sensing and communications. While many of these technologies are still developing, they have the potential to solve certain problems beyond the practical reach of today’s computers, create extraordinarily precise sensors and enable advances across national security, medicine, energy, manufacturing and other industries.Utah enters this emerging field with several advantages. The state’s universities have research strengths in quantum sensing, photonics and quantum materials, supported by high-performance computing infrastructure that can be used for quantum simulation and hybrid classical-quantum computing. Utah also has an established semiconductor, electronics and advanced manufacturing sector that could play an important role in producing and integrating the specialized hardware quantum systems require.The initiative will also connect quantum research with industries where Utah already has significant expertise, including aerospace and defense, life sciences and biotechnology.

Hill Air Force Base, Dugway Proving Ground and Utah’s broader defense ecosystem provide potential pathways for testing and deploying quantum sensing, timing and communications technologies. Utah’s life-sciences sector could also benefit from advances in quantum computing for applications such as molecular simulation and drug discovery.“Utah doesn’t need to build a quantum ecosystem from scratch — many of the pieces are already here,” said Jefferson Moss, commissioner of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development. “Our job is to connect our researchers, manufacturers, entrepreneurs, investors and workforce around a common strategy. If we do that well, Utah can become a place where quantum discoveries move from the laboratory into companies, products and real-world applications.”The Utah Quantum Initiative builds on growing federal investment in quantum information science and technology. On June 22, President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14413, “Ushering in the Next Frontier of Quantum Innovation,” establishing a federal strategy to accelerate the development and commercialization of quantum computing, sensing and networking. The federal order also directs agencies to strengthen domestic quantum supply chains, expand the quantum workforce and support new research infrastructure and user facilities.Utah’s executive order is designed to position the state to compete as those federal investments move forward. Among its priorities, the Utah Quantum Initiative will:The initiative will be led by GOED, with the Nucleus Institute invited to serve as co-lead.

Its Quantum Coordination Council will include representatives from state government and higher education, with additional university, industry, government and legislative partners invited to participate.By March 30, 2027, the council will deliver a statewide quantum landscape report mapping Utah’s research infrastructure, manufacturing capacity and workforce assets. The report will help identify gaps and opportunities as Utah works to attract investment, support commercialization and compete for federal quantum programs.The executive order takes effect immediately and remains in effect through Dec. 31, 2028.Read the full executive order establishing the Utah Quantum Initiative here.TopicsShare Get the latest research, company news, and market intelligence every week. MENTIONED IN THE ARTICLEMore in Research The Quantum Insider (TQI) is the leading source for the latest quantum technology news, market intelligence, industry analysis, and data covering the global quantum ecosystem.NEWSROOMPLATFORMSERVICESCOMPANY© 2026 Resonance Alliance Inc. All rights reserved.A RESONANCE NETWORK PROPERTYOne of our team will be in touch to learn more about your requirements, and provide pricing and access options.Subscribe to our industry leading leading newsletter for the latest in quantum news and insights. Necessary cookies are always on to ensure the website works. Optional cookies help us understand how the site is used. Privacy Policy