President Donald Trump signed two executive orders to speed up development and protect domestic quantum computing.
Trump was joined by technology leaders, including executives from Google and IBM, both of which have made significant advances in quantum computing, as he signed the orders this week.
Experts note that, unlike classical computing, which relies on binary bits (ones or zeroes), quantum computing uses “superposition” to perform multiple calculations simultaneously.
The first order, titled "Ushering in the Next Frontier of Quantum Innovation," establishes a national effort to build the first-ever quantum computer for scientific research by 2028. It aims to strengthen the domestic supply chain and expand workforce development institutes.
The second executive order aims to increase national cybersecurity by accelerating the federal transition to post-quantum cryptography by 2031.
A 2023 McKinsey & Company report highlights that quantum computing could add $1.3 trillion in value across the automotive, chemicals, financial services, and life sciences sectors by 2035.