National Quantum Initiative Act
| Long title | An Act to provide for a coordinated Federal program to accelerate quantum research and development for the economic and national security of the United States. |
|---|---|
| Enacted by | the 115th United States Congress |
| Effective | December 21, 2018 |
| Citations | |
| Public law | Pub.L. 115–368 |
| Legislative history | |
| |
The National Quantum Initiative Act is an Act of Congress passed on December 13, 2018, and signed into law on December 21, 2018. The law gives the United States a plan for advancing quantum technology, particularly quantum computing.
Act
The act was passed unanimously by the United States Senate and was signed into law by President Donald Trump.[1][2][3][4][5][6] The National Quantum Initiative (NQI) provides an umbrella under which a number of government agencies develop and operate programs related to improving the climate for quantum science and technology in the US, coordinated by the National Quantum Coordination Office.[7] These agencies include the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the United States Department of Energy (DOE).[8] Under the authority of the NQI, the NSF and the DOE have established new research centers and institutes, and NIST has established the Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C), a consortium of industrial, academic, and governmental entities.[9]
Recent Developments
In May 2025, U.S. lawmakers introduced the bipartisan Quantum Sandbox for Near-Term Applications Act (S.1344), aiming to amend the National Quantum Initiative Act.[10] The proposed legislation seeks to establish a public-private partnership to accelerate the development of near-term quantum applications by creating testbeds—referred to as "quantum sandboxes"—for innovators to test quantum technologies in real-world environments. The initiative focuses on applications that can be developed and deployed within 24 months, with emphasis on sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and healthcare.[11][12]
Texas Quantum Initiative
In May 2025, the Texas House of Representatives passed House Bill 4751, establishing the Texas Quantum Initiative. The legislation aims to position Texas as a national leader in quantum technology by fostering advancements in quantum computing, networking, and sensing technologies. The initiative outlines the development of a comprehensive strategic plan, the attraction of quantum projects and partners to Texas, expansion of workforce training opportunities, and support for developing a quantum manufacturing supply chain within the state. An executive committee appointed by the governor will oversee the initiative, and a dedicated fund will be established to support its activities. The bill is scheduled to take effect on September 1, 2025, pending approval by the Texas Senate and the governor.[13][14]
References
- ↑ "President Trump has signed a $1.2 billon law to boost US quantum tech" (in en). https://www.technologyreview.com/the-download/612679/president-trump-has-signed-a-12-billon-law-to-boost-us-quantum-tech/.
- ↑ "H.R.6227 - National Quantum Initiative Act" (in en-GB). 2018-12-21. https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/6227/actions?KWICView=false.
- ↑ Loftus, Tom (2018-12-20). "The Morning Download: Quantum Computing Goes to Washington" (in en-US). https://blogs.wsj.com/cio/2018/12/20/the-morning-download-quantum-computing-goes-to-washington/.
- ↑ "Trump signs legislation to boost quantum computing research with $1.2 billion" (in en-US). 2018-12-22. https://www.geekwire.com/2018/trump-signs-legislation-back-quantum-computing-research-1-2-billion/.
- ↑ 115th Congress (2018) (June 26, 2018). "H.R. 6227 (115th)". Legislation. GovTrack.us. https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/115/hr6227. Retrieved February 11, 2019. "National Quantum Initiative Act"
- ↑ Raymer, Michael G.; Monroe, Christopher (2019). "The US National Quantum Initiative". Quantum Science and Technology 4 (2): 020504. doi:10.1088/2058-9565/ab0441. Bibcode: 2019QS&T....4b0504R.
- ↑ "National Quantum Coordination Office (NQCO)" (in en-US). https://www.quantum.gov/.
- ↑ "National Quantum Initiative Signed into Law" (in en). 2019-01-04. https://www.aip.org/fyi/2019/national-quantum-initiative-signed-law.
- ↑ "Home" (in en-US). https://www.quantumconsortium.org/.
- ↑ "U.S. lawmakers propose Quantum Sandbox to accelerate near-term applications". 10 May 2025. https://thequantuminsider.com/2025/05/10/u-s-lawmakers-propose-quantum-sandbox-to-accelerate-near-term-applications/.
- ↑ "U.S. lawmakers propose Quantum Sandbox to accelerate near-term applications". 10 May 2025. https://thequantuminsider.com/2025/05/10/u-s-lawmakers-propose-quantum-sandbox-to-accelerate-near-term-applications/.
- ↑ "S.1344 - Quantum Sandbox for Near-Term Applications Act of 2025". https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1344/text.
- ↑ "Even Quantum is Bigger in Texas: Texas House Passes Bill to Launch Quantum Initiative". 8 May 2025. https://thequantuminsider.com/2025/05/08/even-quantum-is-bigger-in-texas-texas-house-passes-bill-to-launch-quantum-initiative/.
- ↑ "Texas House Bill 4751 establishes Quantum Initiative to lead national quantum industry". 8 May 2025. https://citizenportal.ai/articles/2632380/Texas/Texas-House-Bill-4751-establishes-Quantum-Initiative-to-lead-national-quantum-industry.
External links
- As codified in 15 U.S.C. chapter 114 of the United States Code from the LII
- As codified in 15 U.S.C. chapter 114 of the United States Code from the US House of Representatives
- National Quantum Initiative Act (PDF/details) as amended in the GPO Statute Compilations collection
- National Quantum Initiative Act (PDF/details) as enacted in the US Statutes at Large
