Just a few days ago, George Mason University announced an impressive $1.25 million grant from the National Science Foundation. The grant was awarded to found a postdoctoral fellowship program to encourage more recent PhD graduates to explore the quantum computing workforce.
This is only one small example of the many investments the government has made towards growing the quantum workforce. Quantum commuting has shown heavy implications in the fields of cybersecurity, healthcare, and general industry optimization. The possible advantage it poses over classical computers – especially when it comes to breaking standard encryption – makes quantum information science (QIS) a natural area of investment for the government.
For instance, the National Quantum Initiative – aptly located under domain name quantum.gov – was founded with the objective of promoting QIS research in the United States. The program seeks to enhance overall competitiveness in the field whilst working with international partners and protecting national security.
One such way they have done so is promote funding opportunities – much like those done via NSF grants. Indeed, heavy emphasis on research and development currently defines a lot of government focus. According to the report, “A National Strategic Overview for Quantum Information Science” (which, while published in 2018, sets the overarching precedence of technological investment in quantum computing over the next few years) the strategy focuses on (1) getting the science right, (2) enhancing competitiveness, and (3) enabling people.
Around the world, some governments are taking a similar route to vye for a front-row seat to quantum computing development. According to a report by McKinsey, at least $15.3 billion was reportedly invested by China into quantum computing in 2022. In close second were the states within the European Union, having invested $7.2 billion. As of 2024, these total global investments have continually grown and now are estimated by Forbes to total around $55 billion.
In short, there exists strong financial interest in fostering a research and development community for a quantum workforce – interest that is likely to remain for at least the coming decade.
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