As part of strengthening the United States’ global leadership in cutting-edge technology, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced a $625 million investment to update five national quantum information science (QIS) research centers.
These facilities were originally launched under the National Quantum Initiative Act and signed into law in 2018, and will continue to pioneer the next generation of quantum computing, networking, and sensing technologies.
The new funding will be distributed over five years, starting with $125 million in fiscal year 2025, with future support dependent on Congressional appropriations.
DOE’s latest efforts represent an important continuation of the national effort to expand quantum research, strengthen the innovation ecosystem, and maintain U.S. leadership in quantum information science.
Through this new support, the department aims to accelerate scientific discoveries that have the potential to reshape fields from national security and energy to advanced computing and communications.
DOE Undersecretary for Science Dario Gil explains: “Breakthroughs in QIS could revolutionize the way we sense, communicate and compute, giving rise to entirely new technologies and industries.
“The renewal of the Department of Energy’s National Quantum Information Science Research Center will ensure America has an edge in pioneering the next generation of scientific and engineering advances needed for this technology.”
Importance of QIS
Quantum information science is an emerging interdisciplinary field that uses the laws of quantum mechanics to explore revolutionary new ways to process, store, and transmit information.
Unlike traditional computing, which relies on bits that can only exist as 0 or 1, quantum computing works using quantum bits, or qubits, that can exist in multiple states simultaneously through a principle known as superposition.
When these qubits become entangled, their states are linked, allowing them to perform complex calculations with incredible speed and accuracy.
This unique feature allows quantum computers to tackle problems that are beyond the reach of even the most powerful classical supercomputers.
From simulating molecular interactions to improving cryptography, optimizing complex systems, and creating next-generation sensors, quantum information science is poised to transform technology and science alike.
Not only does this represent a new era of computing, it is also the foundation for quantum communication networks and precision measurement tools that have the potential to redefine innovation across multiple industries.
Expansion of the national quantum network
DOE’s new funding will ensure that America’s five major national QIS hubs remain at the forefront of this transformation.
Each facility will contribute to the advancement of core aspects of quantum technology while building the infrastructure and talent pipeline needed to sustain the nation’s progress.
At Brookhaven National Laboratory, the Quantum Advantage Collaborative Design Center (C2QA) will enhance quantum computing and sensing by improving superconducting and diamond-based materials and developing modular systems that connect superconducting and neutral atom platforms.
The Center for Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems (SQMS) at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory focuses on scaling quantum devices through microwave cavity technology and advanced cooling systems, paving the way for future quantum data centers.
Meanwhile, Q-NEXT at Argonne National Laboratory will work on algorithms, chip components, and quantum networks that link laboratories and preserve quantum entanglement across distance.
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s Quantum Systems Accelerator (QSA) will lead efforts to build large-scale quantum computers using improved error correction techniques and hybrid qubit architectures.
Finally, Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Quantum Science Center (QSC) researches quantum-accelerated high-performance computing and develops open-source software to integrate quantum and classical workflows across scientific disciplines.
Securing America’s Quantum Science Future
The DOE says new support for these facilities will not only accelerate research but also strengthen partnerships between universities, industry, and government laboratories.
This collaborative effort is aimed at ensuring that the United States remains a world leader in the field of quantum information science, which is rapidly becoming important to both technological innovation and national security.
By ramping up investment in these foundational research centers, the Department of Energy positions America to lead the coming quantum revolution and foster breakthroughs that could define the next century of computing, communications, and discovery.
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