Sept. 16, 2020 — Today, The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) announced the establishment of the Quantum Economic Development Consortium’s (QED-C) steering committee. The QED-C brings together industry, academic, and Federal stakeholders to collaborate on quantum information science (QIS) research, standards, and workforce initiatives that advance American leadership in this critical field.

The steering committee, which includes NIST, Boeing, ColdQuanta, Google, IBM, QC Ware, and Zapata Computing, will set direction for the private-public consortium as it lays the groundwork for a new commercial industry based on QIS, as well as the supply chain to support it. The consortium includes over 180 members, spanning large and small companies, and representing different parts of the U.S. QIS supply chain.

The QED-C was established with support from NIST as part of the National Quantum Initiative Act, signed into law by President Donald J. Trump in December 2018. The consortium will hold its plenary meeting with the established steering committee later today.

“Through the establishment of the QED-C steering committee, the Administration has reached yet another milestone delivering on the National Quantum Initiative and strengthening American leadership in quantum information science. We look forward to the continued work of the QED-C and applaud this private-public model for advancing QIS research and innovation,” said Michael Kratsios, U.S. Chief Technology Officer.

“This consortium will help build the supply chain for an industry that doesn’t yet exist,” said Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and NIST Director Walter G. Copan. “To fully realize the benefits of quantum science and technologies, we will need to make advances similar to those made with computers. What started as room-sized devices are now small enough to fit in our pockets and are far more powerful. QED-C will have an important role to play in helping the country realize similar advances in quantum technologies.”

The bipartisan National Quantum Initiative Act accelerates American leadership in QIS through a focus on research and development (R&D) investment, Federal policy coordination, and partnerships across U.S. industry and academia. It established the National Quantum Coordination Office within OSTP to oversee the implementation, with critical progress made since 2018.

·         President Trump announced a commitment to double R&D investment in QIS over the next two years. The Federal government is on track to deliver on the President’s request.

·         The Trump Administration has announced the establishment of quantum research centers and consortia nationwide, bringing together Federal, private sector, and academic leaders to advance foundational QIS R&D.

o   The Department of Energy announced $625 million over five years establishing five quantum research centers.

o   The National Science Foundation announced $75 million over five years creating three Quantum Leap Challenge Institutes.

·         The Trump Administration announced the members of the National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee to counsel the Administration on ways to ensure continued American leadership in QIS.

·         The Trump Administration launched the National Q-12 Education Partnership, a public-private initiative to introduce QIS education themes to pre-college students across the country, expanding opportunities for students interested in pursuing quantum careers.

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Source: the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy