Trump signs executive orders to 'supercharge' quantum computing
Quantum computing can boost capacity beyond that of a typical computer.
President Donald Trump on Monday signed a pair of executive orders designed to protect domestic quantum computing and accelerate its development of the technology.
“The first executive order launches a national effort to produce a quantum computer capable of performing important scientific calculations and to develop quantum-enabled sensors and networks in the next five years,” Trump said.
“The second order I'm signing directs federal agencies to transition to what is called quantum cryptography,” he added.
Trump was surrounded by various tech leaders, including the president of Google and the CEO of IBM. He called the twin executive orders a “big step forward” for the U.S. in the sector, which has increasingly attracted investment.
Prior to the signing, White House Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy Michael Kratsios said that the first executive order will be called "Ushering in the Next Frontier of Quantum Innovation."
"It calls for the development of the first-ever quantum computer powerful enough for scientific research, initiating a new era of commercial capabilities," Kratsios said, adding that the quantum computer could be completed by 2028.
Quantum computing uses the principles of abstract physics to supercharge a machine's computational horsepower well beyond what's found in an everyday computer.
The next-generation technology stands in contrast with classical computing, or binary computing, which relies on tiny units of data called bits. Those bits are oriented as either ones or zeroes, indicating on/off switches that make up the basic inputs of any task performed by a computer.
On the other hand, quantum computing draws on a fundamental concept of quantum physics known as "superposition," which means a single entity can occupy multiple states at the same time, Daniel Lidar, a professor of engineering at the University of Southern California, previously told ABC News.
"In some sense, this is one computer performing many calculations all at once," Lidar said. "In a standard case, you'd need lots of computers performing simultaneous calculations."
The executive order, Kratsios said, would also protect the quantum industry by increasing domestic production of needed materials and strengthening the workforce in the industry.
"It calls for increasing our domestic supply chain capacity for quantum infrastructure and materials, and it ensures a strong American quantum workforce through the expansion of registered apprenticeships, credentials, and new national quantum workforce development institutes on the international front," Kratsios said.
The second executive order will “accelerate the migration to post-quantum [cryptography] to 2031,” which Kratsios says will not only bolster and innovate cybersecurity.
“Together, these policies will drive transformational growth in existing and entirely new industries, in manufacturing, drug discovery, energy, agriculture, and more quantum breakthroughs mean innovation, economic growth, national security that will benefit the American people for decades to come,” he added.
A senior White House official said there are no specific quantum companies that the administration plans to work with or prioritize as a result of these executive orders.
The official also said a quantum-related executive order signed under the Biden administration will remain in effect, but the official differentiated today’s orders by emphasizing the accelerated timeline.
Consulting firm McKinsey & Company identified four industries most likely to see early economic impact from quantum computing: automotive, chemicals, financial services and life sciences, according to a report in 2023.
Across those four industries, the technology could add a combined $1.3 trillion in value by 2035, the report said.
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