The second phase of quantum information science, engineering, and technologies (QISET) is rapidly evolving from lab-based projects to real-world applications, with significant implications for federal and private sector strategies and finances. 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 developments in photonics, microelectronics, and specialized materials. Unlike Quantum 1.0, which fostered lasers and transistors, Quantum 2.0 demands a more cohesive, place-based approach to innovation.
SCSP highlights the history, foundation, and future of regional quantum innovation in a new limited newsletter, "Quantum States," which examines how different states and regions are leading the way. States were assessed across metrics including cited quantum research, patents, the volume of pure play and quantum-enabling companies, military research facilities, breadth of the full quantum stack (computing, sensing, and networking), and quantum-related job openings. The analysis reveals that a robust quantum ecosystem is not simply about hosting the most companies; rather, it requires strategic leveraging of local strengths.
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, such as Texas, North Carolina, and Florida, given their high number of PhDs awarded and the presence of quantum research centers at many academic institutions. "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.
The implications of this shift are profound. As quantum technologies move from theory to application, they promise to revolutionize fields from cryptography to materials science, with major economic and national security consequences. The United States' ability to compete globally hinges on fostering synergies between academia, NIST, national labs, startups, and private industry. "The most successful quantum states build strong synergies between pillars of a quantum ecosystem: academia, NIST, national labs, startups, and private industry," the experts note. Ultimately, true quantum hubs emerge where industry, academia, and government actively connect.
For those seeking to understand which regions are best positioned to lead, SCSP's newsletter provides ongoing analysis. To learn more and for future editions of the Quantum States newsletter, visit https://scsp.ai. The geography of quantum innovation is going local, and the states that cultivate cohesive ecosystems will define America's quantum future.
