On August 10, 2026, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox signed an executive order establishing the Utah Quantum Initiative, formally prioritizing the technology within the state’s economic strategy. The initiative establishes a Quantum Coordination Council within the Governor’s Office of Economic Development to unite government, academia, and industry around a coordinated quantum strategy and attract investment.
“Quantum technology is going to change how we compute, communicate, manufacture, discover new medicines and defend our country, and Utah has the people and infrastructure to help lead that transformation,” said Gov. Cox, highlighting the state’s existing semiconductor and advanced manufacturing base as a key advantage.
Utah Quantum Initiative: Statewide Coordination for Growth
Utah’s existing semiconductor and advanced manufacturing base provides a foundation for its newly launched statewide quantum initiative, distinguishing it from other emerging quantum hubs. This isn’t a pursuit starting from zero; Utah possesses established infrastructure that can be leveraged for quantum hardware production and integration, a critical advantage in a field demanding specialized manufacturing capabilities.
Jefferson Moss, commissioner of GOED, explained the council’s central role, stating, “Our job is to connect our researchers, manufacturers, entrepreneurs, investors and workforce around a common strategy.” This coordinated approach aims to translate laboratory discoveries into tangible products and real-world applications, a key challenge for many quantum technology initiatives. The council will draw members from state government, higher education, and industry, fostering collaboration across sectors vital to quantum technology’s advancement. Beyond internal coordination, the initiative is designed to align with and capitalize on growing federal investment in quantum information science and technology.
On June 22, President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14413, titled “Ushering in the Next Frontier of Quantum Innovation,” establishing a national strategy to accelerate quantum computing, sensing, and networking. Utah’s executive order is strategically positioned to allow the state to compete for these federal funds, focusing on areas where it already holds strengths, including quantum sensing, photonics, and high-performance computing. The state aims to strengthen domestic supply chains and expand the quantum workforce to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving field.
The initiative’s scope extends beyond basic research, with a clear emphasis on commercialization and industry partnerships. Utah’s existing expertise in aerospace and defense, life sciences, and biotechnology will be connected with quantum research, creating potential applications for quantum technologies in these sectors.
Hill Air Force Base and Dugway Proving Ground offer potential testing grounds for quantum sensing, timing, and communications technologies, while the life sciences sector could benefit from quantum computing’s potential for molecular simulation and drug discovery. This focus on practical applications is intended to drive economic growth and create high-skilled jobs within the state. By March 30, 2027, the Quantum Coordination Council will deliver a statewide quantum landscape report, mapping Utah’s research infrastructure, manufacturing capacity, and workforce assets.
This report will serve as a critical assessment of the state’s current capabilities, identifying gaps and opportunities for investment and development. The council will use this information to attract private investment, support commercialization efforts, and compete for federal quantum programs. The report’s findings will also inform policy and funding recommendations, developed in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget and legislative leaders.
The Nucleus Institute has been invited to serve as co-lead on the initiative, further demonstrating a commitment to leveraging existing resources and expertise. The initiative’s priorities include developing a quantum-ready workforce through career pathways, education, and apprenticeship opportunities, recognizing that a skilled workforce is essential for sustaining long-term growth in the quantum sector. This workforce development component will focus on preparing individuals for careers in quantum research, engineering, manufacturing, and related fields.
“Utah doesn’t need to build a quantum ecosystem from scratch — many of the pieces are already here,” Moss added, underscoring the state’s advantageous position. This sustained commitment, combined with the coordinated strategy and existing infrastructure, positions Utah to become a significant player in the emerging quantum technology landscape, potentially attracting substantial investment and fostering innovation in the years to come. The state’s approach emphasizes a holistic strategy, connecting research, manufacturing, workforce development, and government support to create a thriving quantum ecosystem.
Utah doesn’t need to build a quantum ecosystem from scratch – many of the pieces are already here.
Jefferson Moss, Commissioner of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development
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