The second phase of quantum information science, engineering, and technologies (QISET) is rapidly transitioning from lab-based research to real-world applications, with significant implications for federal and private sector strategies, 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. This shift, often called Quantum 2.0, moves beyond the first phase that produced lasers and transistors, focusing instead on photonics, microelectronics, and specialized materials.
As the United States seeks to enhance its quantum capabilities, SCSP highlights the importance of place-based innovation in a new limited newsletter, "Quantum States," which examines how different states and regions are leading the way. The assessment considered metrics such as cited quantum research, patents, the number of 'pure play' and quantum-enabling companies, military research facilities, the breadth of the full quantum stack (computing, sensing, and networking), and 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 perspective underscores that quantum leadership is not merely about quantity but about strategic coordination.
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 other 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.
"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 localized approach to quantum innovation matters because it ensures that the U.S. can leverage regional strengths to maintain a competitive edge globally. As quantum technologies move from theory to application, the ability to foster these ecosystems will determine economic and national security advantages.
For more information and future editions of the Quantum States newsletter, visit https://scsp.ai.
