This bill would reauthorize and update the National Quantum Initiative. It expands definitions to include "engineering" and "technology," adds agencies and programs, and extends the program's end date to December 30, 2032. New or expanded items include National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) quantum acceleration centers, Department of Energy (DOE) quantum foundries and user centers, NSF research and workforce programs, up to five NSF quantum testbeds, a Quantum Reskilling, Education, and Workforce (QREW) Coordination Hub, and new NASA quantum activities and an institute for space and aeronautics. The bill requires an international quantum cooperation strategy, supports post-quantum cryptography research and voluntary deployment guidance, and aligns research activities with existing research security rules. It also includes funding restrictions for institutions that maintain Confucius Institutes and limits on cooperation with listed foreign countries or entities of concern (with an exception for participation in consensus-based international standardization). The National Quantum Coordination Office director would serve a four-year term and the advisory committee and subcommittees would be updated to include additional agencies and private-sector representation.
If you work in quantum research, education, or industry, the bill would create new centers, testbeds, training programs, and federal coordination that could mean more grants, collaborative projects, and partnerships. Colleges, community colleges, and nonprofit organizations could apply for new traineeships, fellowships, and capacity-building awards. Private companies, including small and medium-sized businesses and startups, are explicitly included as partners in many programs. Some institutions that have agreements with Confucius Institutes would be ineligible for certain NIST or NSF funds. Many activities would depend on future funding decisions by Congress.
No publicly available information. The bill text frequently conditions programs on the "availability of appropriations," indicating program funding would come from future appropriations acts.
The bill text frames the changes as strengthening the domestic quantum workforce, accelerating commercialization and standards, improving research coordination across agencies, enhancing international cooperation with allies, protecting research security, and addressing supply chain needs for quantum technologies.
No publicly available information.