UMVA has learned that President Donald Trump took a groundbreaking step on Monday by signing a pair of executive orders that invest heavily in quantum computing, marking a historic partnership between the government and industry.
The first executive order, titled "Ushering In The Next Frontier Of Quantum Innovation," lays out a bold strategy to update the National Quantum Strategy by promoting the commercialization and deployment of quantum technologies and partnering with industry leaders, including tech giants IBM and Google's parent company.
Trump signed the order in the Oval Office alongside top executives from these companies, signaling a major commitment to driving innovation in this field. The directive also mandates that administration officials from key departments and agencies submit a summary of steps taken to align their processes, policies, and programs with the National Quantum Strategy.
This move kickstarts a national effort to develop a working quantum computer to be delivered to the Department of Energy for use and, to the extent possible, make it available to the scientific community. The goal is to harness the power of quantum computing to drive breakthroughs and transform industries.
The second executive order, "Securing the Nation Against Advanced Cryptographic Attacks," directs the Office of Management and Budget and the National Cyber Director to lead an accelerated, nationwide migration to post-quantum cryptography, ensuring the nation's data stays secure as quantum technology evolves.
Quantum computers have the potential to perform exponentially greater amounts of calculations at one time compared to even the most advanced modern supercomputers, making them a potential threat to cryptographically secure information involving global finances, state secrets, and digital communications.
The administration is taking a proactive approach to addressing this threat, with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick highlighting the recent decision to direct $2 billion from the CHIPS and Science Act to quantum computing companies. This investment aims to drive innovation and secure America's leadership in the field.
Lutnick emphasized that the administration has not only invested in companies but also in fabs to build quantum technology, enabling the manufacture of quantum-capable chips in America. Trump echoed this sentiment, stating that the US is already a leader in quantum computing and will now become an even more dominant force.
