The Center for Data Innovation (CDI) is urging Congress to double the funding level of a key quantum information science (QIS) law approved in 2018 as one of several necessary steps it says the U.S. needs to take to stay ahead of the world in (QIS) and maintain a lead in quantum computing.
While quantum computing still remains out of reach for most, the need for updated policies and fresh funding to support development of the technology requires action from Congress to keep up with advances in quantum tech and get ready for its widespread deployment, the CDI report says.
“In the nearly 25 years since [the National Science Foundation] (NSF)’s first workshop, quantum information science has advanced, and its potential to drive major advances in computing power, secure communication, and scientific discovery have become more apparent,” the report says.
“The U.S. government has rightly recognized that it needs to play an active role in ensuring the nation remains competitive in this critical field,” it says.
One of the report’s top recommendations is Congress taking action to reauthorize the 2018 National Quantum Initiative Act (NQIA) that created a framework for quantum research and development and authorized $1.2 billion of funding for that effort from fiscal years 2019 to 2023.
The report recommends a sharp increase in NQIA funding – to about $2.6 billion – or $525 million per year from FY2024 to FY2028, in addition to any CHIPS Act funding devoted to quantum sciences.
“The programs the NQIA authorize expired on September 30, 2023, and the bill needs to be reauthorized in order to continue U.S. leadership in this critical field,” the report says.
The report also says Congress must work to “fully fund the quantum user expansion for science and technology (QUEST) program” as well as fund the “NSF Quantum Education Pilot Program authorized in the CHIPS and Science Act, which would allocate $32 million over the next five years to support the education of K-12 students and the training of teachers in the fundamental principles of QIS.”
“Increased and sustained funding is particularly necessary to stay competitive because several other countries are investing in QIS R&D, some funding QIS far more than the [U.S.] is,” the report says.
The report also crystallizes the need for more collaboration across government and academia on building the U.S. quantum workforce.
Other recommendations include:
- Establish a quantum infrastructure program within the Energy Department (DoE) to help meet the equipment needs of researchers as part of the reauthorization of the NQIA;
- Authorize and fund a DoE-led training program that partners students studying toward bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. degrees with DoE national labs for hands-on QIS experience;
- Direct the Department of Commerce to work with the Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C) to review the quantum supply chain and identify risks;
- Direct and fund the recently established Directorate for TIP within NSF to establish quantum testbeds for use-inspired research;
- Direct DoE to establish and lead a program that invites allied nations to co-invest in quantum “moonshot” efforts; and
- Direct NIST to prioritize promoting U.S. participation, particularly from U.S. industry stakeholders, in international standards fora in the reauthorization of the NQIA.
