Why a high school in Virginia is getting a quantum computer - New Scientist

A demonstration of the XQ1 at the Quantum World Congress 2026 in MarylandXeedQ In January, Skyview High School in Virginia will become the first high school in the US to have a quantum computer on its premises. Made by the quantum computing and sensing firm XeedQ, it will be a teaching device aimed at inspiring the next generation of quantum innovators. The quantum computing industry is in a period of expansion and both governments and private investors are increasing their focus on the field. Yet, many of the industry’s leaders agree that, in addition to investing in quantum technology, there ought to be a concerted effort to grow the quantum workforce as well.

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) in Virginia aims to meet this challenge by providing its high school students with hands-on access to a working quantum computer. FCPS Superintendent Michelle Reid says that this is a bet on a career pathway that is “globally exploding” and could set students up for pursuing one of the 800,000 quantum-related jobs projected to be created within the next decade.