Quantum information science, engineering, and technologies (QISET) has entered a transformative second phase, moving rapidly from lab-based projects to real-world applications that are reshaping the strategies and finances of 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, this shift—often called Quantum 2.0—centers on advancements in photonics, microelectronics, and specialized materials. Unlike Quantum 1.0, which gave rise to lasers and transistors, Quantum 2.0 is already influencing economic and security landscapes.
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 a range of 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 (defined as computing, sensing, and networking), and the number of quantum-related job openings. This granular analysis underscores that quantum development is not a monolithic endeavor but one that depends on local strengths and strategic coordination.
"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 the SCSP experts. 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 implications of this localization are profound. As quantum technologies transition from theoretical research to practical applications, they promise to revolutionize fields such as cryptography, drug discovery, and materials science. For the federal government, this means rethinking procurement and investment strategies to support a distributed innovation network. For the private sector, it signals new opportunities for startups and established companies alike to tap into regional talent pools and research facilities. The SCSP newsletter suggests that the most successful quantum states build strong synergies between pillars of a quantum ecosystem: academia, NIST, national labs, startups, and private industry. Ultimately, true quantum hubs emerge where industry, academia, and government actively connect.
This place-based approach also has national security implications. With quantum computing threatening to break current encryption standards, the U.S. must accelerate its quantum capabilities to maintain a competitive edge. By fostering localized ecosystems, the country can leverage diverse regional strengths to drive innovation faster and more efficiently. To learn more and for future editions of the Quantum States newsletter, visit https://scsp.ai.
