OPINION:
Quantum computing, an advanced form of computation that uses the laws of quantum mechanics to solve complex problems beyond the scope of traditional computers, will shape the next global technological revolution.
In the U.S., we cannot allow disconnected efforts, insufficient investment or weak commercialization to slow our progress; this is a race America must win. The Trump administration and Congress have the opportunity to work together to secure our global quantum leadership. Most recently, in the president’s skinny budget released in early May, quantum research is highlighted as a key priority. National efforts supported by this funding must be directed toward the realization of the first large-scale quantum computer. Doing so will drive tangible positive outcomes that can benefit American citizens, support economic and national security, and facilitate American-led science and technology supremacy on a global scale.
A quantum computer has the potential to develop artificial intelligence algorithms, speed medical breakthroughs and expand material design with unprecedented speed and scale. It could even solve one of the biggest challenges America faces with artificial intelligence today: energy.
AI demands vast quantities of energy, and to secure power for a growing number of AI servers, we must reduce energy consumption elsewhere. One significant opportunity lies in the production of ammonia, which, as a central component of fertilizer, accounts for a full 1% to 3% of the world’s energy consumption. The nation that finds a faster, better way to produce ammonia — a discovery process that quantum computing makes possible — frees up energy for continued AI expansion at a time when global AI dominance is at stake. Quantum computing could be the key to this, as well as other critical issues such as Alzheimer’s or cancer disease treatments, or progress in materials design. It will have a profound impact on our national security, economy and long-term global standing in technology.
The U.S. has demonstrated quantum leadership within the past decade in a variety of forums. Efforts such as revisiting the reauthorization and expansion of the National Quantum Initiative Act with the White House National Quantum Coordination Office are imperative, and they build on breakthroughs across America’s vibrant technological ecosystem. Across the industry, companies as large as Amazon Web Services and startups such as SEEQC are accelerating quantum innovation and contributing to national momentum.
The United States can be proud of these and other quantum milestones, but we cannot let them give us false confidence. China’s quantum investments are rapidly outpacing our own. China has publicly committed $15 billion in quantum funding over the next five years, releases more quantum-related research papers each year than any other country and has developed government-led hubs such as “Quantum Avenue” in the Hefei National High-Tech Industry Development Zone to create a direct pipeline from academic research to market implementation.
At Booz Allen Hamilton, we have worked at the heart of quantum development for more than a decade. It’s clear to us that we need every player in America’s quantum ecosystem working together, fast, to succeed.
To do this, the U.S. first needs the right people in the right roles tackling the right problems. Our nation already has many of the world’s most gifted physicists and quantum engineers working right here at home, but much of their work is too narrowly focused and too theoretical for our urgent needs. We must swiftly direct vital quantum talent to the national missions that matter most, equipped with security clearances for initiatives within the federal government.
Our nation must also invest in a broad multidisciplinary workforce capable of developing, integrating and operating mission-relevant quantum technologies. Provided with competitive, sustainable career paths, valuable quantum talent will stay in the United States and the powerful advancements they generate will catalyze a robust quantum ecosystem and strong, sustained economic growth.
Finally, we must align the full power of the U.S. in a national mission to build a large-scale quantum computer. This requires bringing players across government, academia and private industry into the fold. The U.S. government must incentivize scientists to create solutions in partnership with researchers who understand commercial technologies. Tech companies that have invested billions of dollars to achieve pivotal quantum breakthroughs must align with missions of national importance. The U.S. must cut across traditional boundaries to co-create solutions that no single group could realize alone. Our ability to bridge these gaps is the difference between securing trillions of dollars in economic potential and having adversarial nations capitalize on quantum’s impact for generations to come.
Quantum’s golden age is upon us. America can achieve first-mover advantage through sustained investment, cooperation, coordination and national commitment. With enormous financial and political rewards at stake, the U.S. must seize our place as the world’s quantum leader. Our economy, global standing and future depend on it.
• Bill Vass is chief technology officer at Booz Allen Hamilton.
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