Quantum Innovation (E.O. 14413)

Summary

Aims to keep the U.S. as a world leader in quantum technology by speeding up its development, use, and protection from enemies.

What problem does this solve?

Other countries are quickly catching up to the U.S. in quantum technology, which could threaten America's lead in innovation and national security. This order creates a unified government plan to speed up the creation and use of quantum tech, protect it, and build a strong domestic workforce.

What does this order do?

Establishes a national quantum computer effort

Creates the Quantum Computer for Application Development and Discovery Science (QC-ADDS) Effort. Aims to build a large-scale quantum computer for scientific discovery and make it available to the science community.

Updates the National Quantum Strategy

Requires an update to the national strategy to support the growing quantum technology field. Focuses on turning research into real-world products, supporting the supply chain, and encouraging industry partnerships.

Expands the quantum workforce

Directs government agencies to create a strategy for hiring and keeping quantum experts. Also pushes for more job training programs and apprenticeships to prepare Americans for high-paying quantum industry jobs.

Protects quantum technology from threats

Increases efforts to protect the U.S. quantum industry from foreign spying and cyberattacks. Expands a special counterintelligence team to share threat information with companies and universities.

Strengthens the domestic supply chain

Requires a plan to build a strong U.S. supply chain for quantum parts and materials. Aims to reduce reliance on other countries for critical components needed for quantum technologies.

Prioritizes quantum sensors and networks

Directs the Secretary of War to identify and fast-track at least three next-generation quantum sensor projects. Requires several agencies to create 5-year plans for advancing quantum sensing and networking.

Coordinates with international partners

Directs the government to work with friendly countries to protect shared supply chains, prevent rivals from getting critical technology, and encourage research collaboration.

Who does this affect?

Technology companies and researchers
Federal agencies (e.g., Department of Energy, Department of War, National Science Foundation)
National security and intelligence communities

What is the real world impact?

•

Maintains U.S. technological advantage

Ensures the United States stays ahead of other nations in the rapidly growing field of quantum technology. This leadership is seen as vital for future economic growth, job creation, and national security.

•

Strengthens national security

Focuses on protecting quantum technologies from being used by adversaries. It also addresses the need to develop new security methods, like post-quantum cryptography, as quantum computers could break current encryption.

When does this start?

This order sets multiple deadlines for federal agencies to develop plans and reports, ranging from 60 days to one year after its signing on June 22, 2026.

Prioritize quantum sensor projects

Within 60 days, the Secretary of War must identify at least three next-generation quantum sensor projects to prioritize.

Develop quantum workforce strategy

Within 90 days, the Office of Personnel Management must develop a government-wide strategy for recruiting and retaining quantum experts.

Plan for private sector partnerships

Within 120 days, relevant agencies must develop a plan to partner with the private sector to develop quantum-enabling technologies in the U.S.

Update National Quantum Strategy

Within 180 days, the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology must update the National Quantum Strategy.

Report on national security implications

Within one year, and annually after that, a report on the national security risks of powerful commercial quantum computers must be submitted.