Following the emergence of quantum technology, the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) at the White House hosted stakeholders across the country to discuss the benefits of Quantum computers and sensors to America.
The summit, held last week, centred on understanding the applications of quantum information science, challenges faced in developing quantum research concepts into viable products or services in a global market and the potential impact of quantum technologies in society. Other issues discussed were the challenges and opportunities for increasing United States participation in this industry.
At the opening remark by Dr Eric Lander, Presidential Science Advisor and OSTP Director, he highlighted the benefits and impact of past investments in science and technology to health, economy and national security. Adding that quantum information science has the potential to impact these areas in positive ways. He also emphasized the need to collaborate and understand the applications and challenges in discovering the prospects of quantum technology.
While talking about the need to increase and expand the diversity of the American tech workforce, Dr Lander highlighted the Q12-Education Partnership as an example of the steps taken by some companies to engage students early on in new technologies and expand the future workforce.
In a statement by the OSTP Deputy Director for National Security, Dr Jason Matheny gave the assurance on Biden-Haris administration’s commitment to accelerate the fundamental and applied use of quantum information science and to ensure the success of quantum technologies.
The OSTP Assistant Director for Quantum Information Science and Director of the National Quantum Coordination Office, Dr Charles Tahan emphasized the need to accelerate the new technology while devising methods to secure investments from people that are not trusted. Following this, Dr Charles Tahan moderated a discussion on the report released by the White House Subcommittee on Economic and Security Implications of Quantum Science on the vital role foreign talent and international cooperation plays in the U.S. quantum ecosystem.
During the discussion session, industry representatives shared ideas on how to accelerate the development of this new technology while keeping the process secured. They also highlighted the need for a continuous international corporation and the need to develop a quantum ready workforce for the future.
Other activities at the summit include industry presentations on the societal impact of quantum technology and the technical challenges that must be overcome to realize the applications of this technology. Based on industry demands to fill in job positions on quantum information technology, there was a discussion on the need to encourage more STEM education and tech internship opportunities.
The US senator Jack Reed (D-RI) concluded the event with a vote of thanks to the companies for coming together for the success of this technology.
In attendance was the executive office of the president representatives and stakeholders from Amazon Web Services, Boeing, ColdQuanta, D-Wave, Google, Honeywell, HRL, IBM, Intel, IonQ, Microsoft, Northrup Grumman, PsiQuantum, QC Ware, Quantum EconomicDevelopment, Consortium, Rigetti Computing, Vector Atomic and Zapata Computing.
