Today, The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) took significant steps in the implementation of the National Quantum Initiative Act, signed into law by President Trump in December. As called for in the Act, OSTP chartered the National Quantum Coordination Office, which will work with Federal agencies in developing and maintaining quantum programs, connecting with stakeholders, enabling access and use of R&D infrastructure, and supporting the National Science and Technology Council’s (NSTC) Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science. 

Dr. Jake Taylor, OSTP’s Assistant Director for Quantum Information Science, will serve as interim director of the National Quantum Coordination Office.

“There’s no better time and place to be engaging in quantum R&D than right now in the United States. Our Nation is on the verge of incredible breakthroughs in this emerging technology, and thanks to the leadership of President Trump and Congress, America’s quantum scientists and researchers are well positioned to lead the world. We look forward to the continued implementation of the bipartisan National Quantum Initiative Act to secure American leadership in quantum for generations to come,” said Dr. Kelvin K. Droegemeier, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

"We are at a pivotal moment for quantum science and engineering," said National Science Foundation Director France Córdova. "Remaining at the forefront of quantum research requires a highly trained workforce and a sustained national commitment.  The National Science Foundation is proud to join its fellow agencies and the newly established National Quantum Coordination Office in meeting those needs.”

“Quantum computing offers a completely new testbed, using unique behaviors of quantum systems to run calculations, take measurements, transport information, and solve problems in ways that conventional computers, sensors, and systems cannot,” said Department of Energy Under Secretary for Science Paul Dabbar.  “Quantum computing and information processing have the potential to provide scientific and technological advancements like materials for manufacturing and transportation, new probes into dark matter and black holes, and advances in drug development. The National Quantum Coordination Office will help DOE and the nation maintain our leadership in hardware and software for this new generation of quantum computing.”

In addition to efforts under the National Quantum Initiative Act, OSTP established the NSTC Subcommittee on Economic and Security Implications of Quantum Science. Co-chaired by the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and the National Security Agency, the subcommittee will provide guidance on the benefits of and challenges to economic growth and enhanced national security through quantum R&D.

“It is notable that we are considering both the economic value and the security implications of quantum technology together. Both are important to our national prosperity and wellbeing,” said National Security Agency National Science Advisor and Director of Research Dr. Deborah Frincke.   

Editor's note: This news release was originally published by The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.