The National Quantum Initiative Act (NQIA), signed into law by President Trump in 2018, is being reauthorized to boost quantum research for the US’s economic and national security. The NQIA empowers the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the National Science Foundation, and the Department of Energy to enhance quantum science programmes. The reauthorization aims to reflect advances in quantum science and technology, ensure a robust workforce, and foster partnerships with allied nations. The bill also authorizes the creation of new quantum research centres and institutes, and includes NASA in the quantum research programme.
“Reauthorizing and updating NQIA’s quantum programs is critical to ensuring that the United States’ policies reflect the advances made in quantum information science, engineering, and technology since the passage of the original Act.”
National Quantum Initiative Act: An Overview
The National Quantum Initiative Act (NQIA) was enacted into law by the U.S. President on December 21, 2018. The primary aim of this act is to expedite quantum research and development for the economic and national security of the United States. The NQIA authorised the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the Department of Energy (DOE) to bolster quantum information science programs, centres, and consortia. The Act also advocated for a coordinated approach to quantum research and development efforts across the U.S. government, including the civilian, defence, and intelligence sectors.
Quantum technologies are expected to bring about significant transformations across the scientific, economic, and defence realms. Consequently, there is a global competition among major powers to develop operational quantum platforms across various applications. While the United States has maintained its lead in the theoretical physics that underpins quantum computing and related technologies, other nations like China have advanced in developing some quantum communications applications and are rapidly closing the gap in other areas.
Reauthorization of the National Quantum Initiative Act
The reauthorization and updating of NQIA’s quantum programs are crucial to ensure that the United States’ policies reflect the advances made in quantum information science, engineering, and technology since the passage of the original Act. A reauthorization is also necessary to ensure the quantum industry and ecosystem has access to a robust, educated workforce and that the U.S. is partnering with allied nations to bolster quantum research and development to counter quantum advancements by competitors.
“Quantum technologies will be transformative across the scientific, economic, and defense realms. For that reason, there is a global race among great powers to develop operational quantum platforms across a variety of applications.”
Modernisation of Quantum Research and Development Programs
The bill modifies the goals and objectives of many quantum programs across agencies to ensure quantum research can move beyond basic science and into applied research, demonstration, and commercialisation. It also strengthens requirements for public-private partnerships between research agencies and the quantum industry.
Creation of New Quantum Centers and Institutes
The bill authorises the creation of new quantum research centres and institutes at NIST, NSF, and NASA and bolsters support for the DOE centres. This includes a new workforce coordination hub to build new and strengthen existing workforce pathways between universities, technical schools, and other institutions and the quantum industry.
International Research and Development Activities
The bill addresses competition from China by requiring the President to develop a strategy to establish new international partnerships with allies of the United States. China has invested more in quantum research and development than the rest of the world combined over the last ten years and has identified quantum science as a key strategic field to dominate.
“The bill addresses competition from China by requiring the President to develop a strategy to establish new international partnerships with allies of the United States. China has invested more in quantum research and development than the rest of the world combined over the last ten years and has identified quantum science as a key strategic field to dominate.”
Support for the Quantum Industry
The bill authorizes the creation of Quantum Testbeds to support translational research for near-term and medium-term use cases and provide research and testing resources to support the development of new quantum capabilities across the private sector. It also authorizes the creation of a new Quantum Instrumentation and Foundry Program to develop domestic supply chains and provide resources, including devices, hardware, software, and materials, for the use of the quantum industry and research community.
“The bill authorizes the creation of Quantum Testbeds to support translational research for near-term and medium-term use cases and provide research and testing resources to support the development of new quantum capabilities across the private sector.”
Summary
The National Quantum Initiative Act (NQIA), aimed at accelerating quantum research for the US’s economic and national security, is being updated to reflect advances in quantum information science and technology. The updated legislation will modernise quantum research programmes, increase government coordination, authorise the creation of new quantum research centres, and strengthen international research partnerships to counter quantum advancements by competitors.
“The bill authorizes NSF to extend new traineeships, fellowships, scholarships, and other workforce-supporting programs to a broader population of STEM students with the potential to enter the quantum field.”
- The National Quantum Initiative Act (NQIA) was signed into law by President Trump in 2018 to boost quantum research and development for the US’s economic and national security.
- The NQIA authorised the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the Department of Energy (DOE) to enhance quantum information science programs, centres, and consortia.
- The Act also established the National Quantum Coordination Office within the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy for a coordinated approach to quantum research and development across the US government.
- The US has maintained its lead in the theoretical physics underpinning quantum computing and related technologies, but countries like China are advancing in some quantum communications applications.
- Reauthorising and updating NQIA’s quantum programs is crucial to ensure that the US’s policies reflect the progress made in quantum information science, engineering, and technology since the original Act’s passage.
- The bill authorises the creation of new quantum research centres and institutes at NIST, NSF, and NASA and strengthens support for the DOE centres.
- The bill formally includes NASA as a quantum research agency under the NQIA.
- The bill requires the President to develop a strategy to establish new international partnerships with US allies to counter competition from China in quantum research and development.
- The bill authorises the creation of Quantum Testbeds to support translational research for near-term and medium-term use cases and provide research and testing resources to support the development of new quantum capabilities across the private sector.
- The bill authorises NSF to extend new traineeships, fellowships, scholarships, and other workforce-supporting programs to a broader population of STEM students with the potential to enter the quantum field.