A central part of a quantum computer built by the company Infleqtion
Infleqtion
The US government aims to have a quantum computer ready that can significantly aid in scientific advancements within two years. This technology will be used to help speed up the creation of new materials, drugs, and molecules beneficial for agriculture and manufacturing.
Once just a concept for theoretical physicists, quantum computers are now real but still need to show clear practical applications or widespread commercial use. Their computing strength is determined by their size-the number of components called qubits-and how dependable they are. Current models remain too small and prone to errors.
The US Department of Energy’s Quantum Genesis initiative has set 2028 as the target year for these changes. The initiative is launching a competition and intends to create a national quantum supercomputing facility. It’s part of the larger Genesis Mission, which also provides funding for researchers.
By 2028, the Do E expects quantum computers to have enough power to start tackling unresolved issues in chemistry, materials science, plasma physics, and high-energy physics. “I have a lot of confidence that the building blocks exist… we don’t need a massive breakthrough,” says Darío Gil, under secretary for science at the Do E.
Gil’s confidence stems from recent advances in quantum computing, including improvements in building individual qubits and what he describes as incredible progress in algorithms that allow quantum computers to detect and fix their own mistakes. He also believes that AI will play an important role in achieving the 2028 goal by helping researchers optimize control over quantum computers.
“2028 is quite ambitious but not impossible,” states Juliette Peyronnet from the quantum computing firm Alice & Bob. Paul Stimers from the Quantum Industry Coalition notes that several companies have previously announced intentions to deliver a scientifically useful, error-free quantum computer by 2028 or shortly thereafter.
This announcement from the Do E follows President Donald Trump signing two executive orders concerning quantum technology and a $2 billion investment into various quantum computing companies from the US Department of Commerce.
Some technologies mentioned in those executive orders, like quantum sensors, have already become commercially viable. It’s likely they will soon be more widely used, possibly even in space with help from NASA. Quantum computing has gained attention partly because it could lead to powerful encryption-breaking machines but might face significant challenges before reaching 2028.
Gil acknowledges that transitioning from current devices to much larger quantum computers-hundreds or thousands of times bigger-will require extensive learning. “The reality of it will be dealing with complexity [increase] from [building] a device to a chip to a system,” he explains. Additionally, there may be supply chain problems due to how rare many components needed for new quantum devices are, according to Stimers.
The US isn’t alone in pushing forward on developing quantum technology. For example, the UK plans to acquire large-scale quantum computers beyond 2030 through its Pro Qure program. Quantum computing is also one of two focal technologies-alongside artificial intelligence-in China’s upcoming five-year national development strategy. Aiming for 2028 represents the shortest timeline among these efforts. “It’s aggressive,” Gil remarks.
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