Senators Maria Cantwell, Todd Young, and colleagues introduced the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act to accelerate U.S. quantum technology development. The legislation aims to bolster research and workforce development in a field vital to national security and global economic competitiveness. This reauthorization is considered critical for maintaining American leadership in quantum technology.
Bipartisan National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization to 2034
The reauthorization extends the National Quantum Initiative (NQI) to December 2034, building upon successes since the original initiative’s 2018 enactment. This period has already fostered a growing U.S. quantum ecosystem, including numerous startups and billions in combined public and private investment. Researchers supported by the NQI have generated thousands of peer-reviewed publications and patents, signaling progress beyond fundamental research. Legislation proposes expanding the NQI’s reach by incorporating NASA‘s quantum research, particularly in satellite communications and sensing technologies. Up to three new NIST quantum centers, five NSF multidisciplinary centers, a quantum workforce hub, and testbeds would be established to scale research and accelerate application development. An international strategy will also be developed to coordinate research and development with allied nations.
NQI Drives Growth in Quantum Startups and Research
The National Quantum Initiative (NQI), established in 2018, has already spurred significant growth within the U.S. quantum sector. This initiative catalyzed the creation of numerous venture-backed startups and fostered a broader national industry focused on quantum computing, networking, and sensing technologies. Proposed legislation seeks to build on this momentum by extending the NQI through 2034 and expanding its scope to include NASA’s quantum research, like quantum satellite communications. The bill also calls for establishing new NIST quantum centers, NSF multidisciplinary centers, and a quantum education hub to further accelerate innovation and workforce development.
Federal Investment Vital for U.S. Quantum Competitiveness
Federal investment is demonstrably vital for maintaining U.S. leadership in the rapidly evolving field of quantum technology, as evidenced by the growth spurred since 2018. Without continued federal support, the U.S. risks losing its technological edge and economic opportunities to international competitors. The proposed reauthorization extends the NQI to 2034 and strategically directs resources toward both fundamental research and practical applications. A coordinated international strategy is also required, emphasizing collaboration with U.S. allies in research and development efforts.
Expanded NIST, NSF, and NASA Quantum Research Programs
This legislation specifically aims to broaden the NQI’s scope to incorporate NASA’s ongoing work in areas like quantum satellite communications and advanced quantum sensing technologies, further integrating space-based applications. By strategically funding these programs, the bill intends to move quantum technology beyond foundational research toward practical implementations. Additionally, a quantum education hub and new quantum testbeds would provide shared resources to train future scientists and engineers, accelerating the transition of breakthroughs into real-world applications. These centers will support a coordinated, national effort to maintain U.S. leadership and competitiveness in this rapidly evolving field.
International Collaboration Strategy for Quantum R&D Activities
The reauthorization act emphasizes the importance of coordinating research and development with international allies. Specifically, the legislation directs the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy to formulate a strategy for international quantum cooperation. This strategy will aim to align R&D activities with trusted partners, acknowledging the global competition in this critical technology area and the need for collaborative advancement. This international focus is driven by concerns of losing technological leadership and economic ground to foreign competitors, particularly China.
The bill recognizes that sustained federal investment, combined with strategic international partnerships, is essential for maintaining U.S. advantages in quantum technology. This collaboration will support breakthroughs and strengthen the nation’s position in quantum standards and measurement science, expanding beyond domestic efforts.
