Quantum information science, engineering, and technologies (QISET) has entered a second phase, rapidly evolving from lab-based projects to real-world applications that are reshaping strategies and finances in both the federal government and the 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, known as Quantum 1.0, quantum mechanics fostered the development of lasers and transistors. Today, Quantum 2.0 centers on advances in photonics, microelectronics, and specialized materials. This shift matters because it signals that quantum technologies are no longer confined to theoretical research; they are becoming practical tools with economic and national security implications.
As the United States seeks to accelerate 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 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 (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 SCSP experts. This finding underscores that simply attracting companies is insufficient; coordinated strategies that build on regional strengths are essential for sustained leadership.
Currently, California leads in most aspects of Quantum 2.0, including industrial capacity, talent pipelines, and market ecosystems. Other established hubs include New York, Illinois, Colorado, Maryland, and Massachusetts. However, several 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. This geographic diversification is significant because it suggests that quantum innovation is becoming more distributed, potentially reducing reliance on traditional tech hubs and fostering broader economic growth.
"The most successful quantum states build strong synergies between pillars of a quantum ecosystem: academia, NIST, national labs, startups, and private industry," according to SCSP experts. Ultimately, true quantum hubs emerge where industry, academia, and government actively connect. This interconnectedness is crucial because it accelerates the translation of research into applications, drives job creation, and enhances regional competitiveness.
The implications of this local focus are profound. For the federal government, understanding which states are emerging as quantum leaders can inform funding priorities and infrastructure investments. For the private sector, it highlights opportunities for partnerships and talent acquisition. Moreover, as quantum technologies mature, they are expected to impact sectors ranging from cryptography to drug discovery, making state-level strategies a matter of national importance.
Visit scsp.ai to learn more and for future editions of the Quantum States newsletter.
