Summary
Continues and grows the national program for quantum science research, development, and education to keep the U.S. competitive and secure.
What does this bill do?
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Section:
Sec. 23
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National Aeronautics and Space Administration quantum activities
Adds NASA to the national quantum effort
Creates a new program for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to research quantum technology for space and aeronautics. It also allows for a new NASA quantum institute.
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Sec. 15
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Quantum Reskilling, Education, and Workforce (QREW) Coordination Hub
Establishes a national workforce hub
Creates a Quantum Reskilling, Education, and Workforce (QREW) Coordination Hub. This hub will help develop curricula and create job pathways to address workforce shortages in the quantum industry.
Creates an international cooperation strategy
Requires the government to create a strategy for working with allied countries on quantum research, development, and supply chains. This helps pool resources and secure technology from foreign threats.
Funds new quantum testbeds
Authorizes the National Science Foundation to create up to five testbeds. These sites will give researchers from schools and businesses access to tools for developing and testing new quantum applications.
Promotes post-quantum cryptography
Directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to help organizations adopt new encryption standards that can resist attacks from future quantum computers.
Expands focus to engineering and commercialization
Amends the original act to include 'engineering' and 'technology' throughout the text. This shifts the program's focus from just basic research to also include building and selling real-world quantum products.
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Sec. 21
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Quantum information science to enhance the resilience, security, and efficiency of the electric grid
Researches quantum technology for the electric grid
Directs the Department of Energy to research how quantum science can be used to make the nation's electric grid more secure, efficient, and resilient.
Extends the National Quantum Initiative
Reauthorizes the program by extending its end date to December 30, 2032, ensuring continued federal support for quantum research and development.
Restricts cooperation with certain foreign countries
Prohibits using funds for quantum research activities with a 'foreign country of concern' or an institution that has a contract with a 'Confucius Institute'.
Who does this affect?
- Researchers and scientists in quantum fields
- Technology companies
- University students and educators in STEM fields
What is the real world impact?
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Strengthens U.S. leadership in quantum technology
Aims to keep the United States ahead of other countries in the race to develop and use quantum technologies. This includes computers, sensors, and communication networks that could provide big economic and military advantages.
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Builds a quantum-ready workforce
Focuses on training more students and workers in quantum fields. This ensures the country has enough skilled people to fill jobs in this growing industry and in government agencies.
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Protects against foreign threats
Adds rules to prevent cooperation with 'foreign countries of concern' and 'Confucius Institutes'. This is meant to protect U.S. research from being stolen or used by rival nations.
What problem does this solve?
The original National Quantum Initiative Act is set to expire, and technology has advanced quickly. This bill renews the program and expands its goals to include engineering, getting products to market, and building a skilled workforce to ensure America stays a world leader in quantum technology.
When does this start?
This bill renews an existing program and would take effect once it becomes law, with several new reports and strategies due within the first year.
International cooperation strategy
A strategy for working with other countries on quantum technology must be submitted to Congress within one year of the bill becoming law.
NASA quantum strategy
NASA must submit a strategy for its quantum research activities to Congress within 180 days of the bill becoming law.
Department of Energy computing plan
The Department of Energy must submit a 10-year strategic plan for quantum high-performance computing to Congress within one year.
Program expiration date
The authority for the National Quantum Initiative Program is extended until December 30, 2032.