A 17 billion quantum economy is rapidly taking shape in North Texas, and the region will now have a direct voice in shaping statewide strategy thanks to the appointment of Texas Research Alliance Executive Director Victor Fishman, Ph. D., to Governor Abbott’s Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee. This statewide body will guide Texas’ approach to quantum computing, workforce development, and economic growth as the state competes nationally for leadership in the emerging technology. Dr. Fishman is the only appointee representing a regional economic development organization, bringing a focus on accelerating the adoption of quantum technologies across industry. Thien-An Nguyen, Chief Technology Officer at ORCA Computing, said that the work Victor and TRA are doing to connect industry to practical quantum adoption is what will determine which regions lead in the quantum economy, recognizing the crucial role of bridging research and real-world application.
North Texas Quantum Economy Initiative Drives Regional Strategy
The Texas Research Alliance (TRA) is spearheading this effort through the North Texas Quantum Economy Initiative (NTQEI), a regional plan designed to position Dallas-Fort Worth as a national hub for applied quantum technology. Unlike initiatives prioritizing research or hardware, TRA’s approach centers on practical implementation across established North Texas industries like telecommunications, defense, and healthcare, anticipating that widespread adoption, not just invention, will define quantum leadership. According to the NTQEI Blueprint, quantum adoption could contribute over 8 billion annually to the North Texas economy, expanding to an estimated 17 billion and creating tens of thousands of high-paying jobs. Victor Fishman, Ph. D., Executive Director of TRA, has been appointed to the Texas Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee by Governor Greg Abbott, uniquely positioning North Texas to influence the state’s quantum strategy.
Dr. Fishman said, “Texas does not need to build the quantum computers to become a quantum leader. We need to become the state that deploys quantum solutions first, best, and at scale.” This emphasis on deployment reflects a pragmatic assessment of the quantum landscape, recognizing that economic impact will stem from practical applications rather than solely from technological breakthroughs. TRA will further advance its regional strategy at the Quantum for the C-Suite Summit on September 9, bringing together key stakeholders to explore pathways for quantum adoption and economic growth.
Victor Fishman Appointed to Texas Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee
The growing quantum technology sector is rapidly shifting from theoretical research to practical application, prompting states to compete for dominance in this emerging field. Texas, already a strong contender due to its established strengths in manufacturing, semiconductors, and other key industries, is now actively shaping its quantum strategy with the formation of the Texas Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee. The North Texas region currently fuels a 17 billion quantum economy, demonstrating its significant role in the national landscape and underscoring the importance of a focused regional strategy. TRA’s approach, which emphasizes deployment rather than solely focusing on hardware development, distinguishes it from many other quantum initiatives. Dr. Fishman’s background, including a D. in Chemistry from The University of Texas at Austin and service as a U. S. Army veteran, demonstrates a commitment to bridging the gap between research and real-world application.
The work Victor and TRA are doing to connect industry to practical quantum adoption is precisely what will determine which regions lead in the quantum economy. We look forward to being a resource as North Texas builds that capability.
Tien-An Nguyen, Chief Technology Officer, ORCA Computing
