United States prioritizes quantum computing with executive orders and Capitol Hill showcase

The White House signed two executive orders that make quantum computing and post‑quantum cybersecurity a national priority. One order sets a target for the United States to achieve a scientifically relevant quantum computer by 2028 and expands support for quantum sensors, networking, manufacturing and talent pipelines. The second order accelerates the federal adoption of post‑quantum cryptography to 2031, citing the “harvest‑now, decrypt‑later” risk. Leaders from IBM, Google, Infleqtion and other firms attended the signing, and quantum‑related stocks moved in after‑hours trading.

Days later, the Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED‑C) hosted the 2026 Quantum Technology Showcase on Capitol Hill. Bipartisan lawmakers and senior officials, including Treasury assistant secretary Chris Pilkerton and White House National Quantum Coordination Office director Brad Blakestad, saw demonstrations from Google Quantum AI, IBM Research, D‑Wave, Quantinuum and others. The event highlighted advances in computing, communications and sensing, and discussed supply‑chain resilience, workforce development and the reauthorization of the National Quantum Initiative Act. Organizers emphasized that quantum innovation is critical for U.S. economic growth and national‑security advantage.