The United States is at a convergence point for quantum policy. April 14 – World Quantum Day – comes at a time when quantum technologies are moving beyond research and into early-stage deployment across computing, communications, and sensing. At the same time, policymakers and industry are increasingly aligned on the national security and economic implications of quantum advancement—underscoring the need for deeper, structured public-private collaboration.
This shift is already visible in global investment trends. Global investment in quantum technologies, spanning government programs, venture capital, and corporate R&D, is at $33.28 billion for 2025, with the United States leading at $12.1 billion. By 2035, the three pillars of quantum technology could a $97 billion market.
Governments around the globe and industry are scaling commitments to quantum R&D, but sustained progress will depend on how effectively these efforts are aligned. What was once a frontier research domain is now a core component of technology and economic strategy. In order for the U.S. to maintain its lead, the time to act on implementation is now.
The Strategic Imperative
Quantum technologies are no longer a distant consideration—they present both near term opportunities and- and long-term policy challenges. As a general-purpose technology, quantum has the potential to transform industries ranging from healthcare and energy to logistics, while also introducing new cybersecurity risks that must be proactively managed.
Recent Trump Administration actions have elevated quantum information science as a national priority. The , signed in November 2025, explicitly identifies quantum information science as a priority domain alongside AI and advanced computing,
The National Quantum Initiative (NQI) runs through 2029; however, several research and development activities expired in September 2023. These activities play a key role in continuing U.S. leadership, and create a clear need for renewed legislative direction and sustained policy focus.
Getting Reauthorization Right
The reauthorization of the National Quantum Initiative presents a critical opportunity to move from strategy to execution, and to reinforce U.S. leadership at a moment of intensifying global competition and quantum advancement. As Congress considers next steps, implementation will be as important as reauthorization. This moment presents a narrow window to translate strategic intent into durable outcomes.
Key priorities for policymakers include:
- Accelerating post-quantum cryptography (PQC) migration. Federal networks and critical infrastructure face long transition timelines. Clear timelines, dedicated funding, and interagency coordination will be essential to ensure a secure and orderly migration. Industry will play a crucial role in developing, testing, and deploying these solutions at scale.
- Strengthening public-private collaboration. Companies across the quantum value chain are already driving innovation in hardware, software, and applications. Policy frameworks should enable structured, ongoing engagement with industry to ensure federal investments are aligned with real-world technological development and deployment timelines.
- Building the quantum workforce. Talent constraints remain a key bottleneck. Expanding education, reskilling programs, and pathways for high-skilled talent will be critical to sustaining U.S. leadership.
- Advancing international coordination. Quantum development is global. Aligning with allies on standards, supply chains, and research collaboration will help ensure interoperability and reduce fragmentation.
- Supporting commercialization of quantum technologies. In the initial National Quantum Initiative Act of 2018, a majority of the research efforts were housed in academia. In order to build on that success, expanding research and development to commercialization efforts is critical to deploying this technology’s use and furthering U.S. innovation.
These priorities reflect a broader need for policy approaches that are targeted, flexible, and aligned with current developments.
At a moment of growing global competition, sustained and coordinated policy action will be critical. We encourage U.S. policymakers to take action; ensuring that U.S. policy keeps pace with technological progress will determine whether the United States leads in the quantum era or cedes ground to global competitors.