Quantum information science, engineering, and technologies (QISET) have entered a second phase, moving rapidly from lab-based projects to real-world applications that are reshaping 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.
In the first phase, known as Quantum 1.0, quantum mechanics and science led to the development of lasers and transistors. Today, Quantum 2.0 activity centers on advances in photonics, microelectronics, and specialized materials. This shift carries significant implications: it means quantum technologies are no longer confined to theoretical research but are becoming practical tools that could transform computing, sensing, and networking, with major economic and national security consequences.
As the United States seeks to accelerate its quantum capabilities, SCSP highlights the history, foundation, and future of place-based quantum innovation in a new limited newsletter, “Quantum States.” The newsletter examines how different states and regions are leading the way, assessing them across metrics such as 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 (computing, sensing, and networking), and the number of 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 finding underscores that simply attracting companies is insufficient; states must cultivate synergies across academia, government labs, and industry to build durable quantum hubs.
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 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 matters because quantum technologies are expected to drive future economic growth and national security, and the states that foster these connections early could gain a competitive edge in attracting investment, talent, and innovation.
For more information, visit https://scsp.ai to learn more and for future editions of the Quantum States newsletter.
