Quantum information science, engineering, and technologies (QISET) has entered a new phase of rapid evolution from lab-based projects to real-world applications that are reshaping strategies and finances across the federal government and private sector, according to experts at the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), a nonprofit and nonpartisan initiative aimed at strengthening America's long-term competitiveness in artificial intelligence.
In the first phase of QISET development, known as Quantum 1.0, quantum mechanics and science fostered the development of lasers and transistors. Today, Quantum 2.0 activity centers around developments in areas including photonics, microelectronics, and specialized materials. This shift matters because it signals that quantum technologies are no longer confined to academic research but are becoming practical tools with significant economic and national security implications.
As the United States seeks to enhance its quantum capabilities, SCSP highlights the history, foundation, and future of place-based quantum innovation in a new limited newsletter, "Quantum States," which examines how different states and regions are leading the way. The newsletter assesses states across a range of metrics, including cited quantum information science research, patents, the volume of both 'pure play' and quantum-enabling companies, the number of military research facilities, breadth of the full quantum stack (defined as computing, sensing, and networking), and the number of quantum-related job openings.
"Developing a robust ecosystem of quantum technologies is not a one-size-fits-all approach, in which local leadership is guaranteed by hosting the most companies within a region. Rather, it requires a cohesive, strategic effort leveraging strengths within that state," according to the SCSP experts.
Currently, California leads in most aspects of Quantum 2.0, including industrial capacity, talent pipelines, and market ecosystems, but other established hubs include New York, Illinois, Colorado, Maryland, and Massachusetts. However, several other states are poised to become players, including Texas, North Carolina, and Florida given their high number of PhDs awarded, and the presence of quantum research centers in many of their academic institutions.
"The most successful quantum states build strong synergies between pillars of a quantum ecosystem: academia, NIST, national labs, startups, and private industry," according to the SCSP experts. Ultimately, true quantum hubs emerge where industry, academia, and government actively connect.
The implications of this localized approach are profound. As quantum technologies mature, states that foster collaboration across sectors are likely to attract investment, create high-tech jobs, and drive regional economic growth. Moreover, the strategic alignment of resources and expertise at the state level could determine the pace of U.S. innovation in quantum computing, sensing, and networking—areas critical to national competitiveness and security.
For those interested in learning more, visit scsp.ai for future editions of the Quantum States newsletter.
