President Trump signed executive orders this week securing the nation’s quantum computing endeavors.
One order seeks to usher in a quantum revolution. It explains that as “other nations move quickly to challenge American leadership, the United States must take a cohesive, whole-of-government approach to accelerate deployment and commercialization of quantum computing, sensing, and networking.”
“In addition to continuing trailblazing quantum research, we must act to solidify the Nation’s position as the world’s QIST [Quantum information science and technology] superpower and deliver the commercial and research benefits of quantum innovation to the American people,” it reads. “Equally important, we must protect sensitive technologies and work with allies to ensure adversaries cannot use QIST to undermine national security.”
The order directs federal agencies to update the nation’s quantum strategies with “policies intended to support the maturing QIST ecosystem, including promoting commercialization and deployment of QIST, supporting the quantum-enabling technology ecosystem, and encouraging partnerships with United States industry.”
A separate order aims to protect against cryptographic attacks. It warns that quantum computers in the hands of adversaries will threaten the nation’s cryptographic security systems. “Ongoing cyber activity against our Nation also presents the risk of adversaries collecting United States information now, and decrypting it later once large-scale quantum computers are operational,” the order says. “In light of these threats, the United States must take steps to strengthen cryptographic protections for the Nation’s sensitive data, critical infrastructure, and digital economy.”
Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Commerce awarded $2 billion to IBM and other American quantum computing companies to bolster the nation’s dominance in the industry.
“The CHIPS incentive from the DoC will support the research and development efforts of a new IBM company: Anderon, which will be America’s first pure-play quantum foundry,” IBM said in a statement. “This initiative represents one of the most significant commitments by the U.S. Government to date in quantum R&D to position the United States to manufacture most of the world’s quantum wafers.”
