The president signed an executive order directing federal agencies to accelerate the deployment and commercialization of quantum computing, sensing, and networking technologies. The document, signed June 22, 2026, and released June 25, 2026, requires the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology to update the National Quantum Strategy.
According to the order, quantum information science and technology will power economic growth, drive American innovation, and generate high-paying jobs. The document states it is the policy of the administration to ensure the United States maintains a strategic technical advantage in the field.
The directive requires the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology to update the National Quantum Strategy within 180 days. The update will include policies to support the technology ecosystem and encourage partnerships with industry.
The order establishes the Quantum Computer for Application Development and Discovery Science Effort. This program aims to deliver at least one quantum computer to a Department of Energy facility and make it available to the scientific community. The Secretary of Energy has 180 days to explore private-sector partnership models to understand the cost and timeline for delivering the system.
For field operations, the Secretary of War must identify at least three next-generation quantum sensor projects within 60 days. The order states the projects must be prioritized in order to field the sensors by Sept. 30, 2028.
To protect the technology, the order directs the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to propose staffing requirements to expand the Quantum Information Science and Technology Counterintelligence Protection Team. The Federal Bureau of Investigation director will propose these requirements in coordination with the departments of State, War, Commerce, Energy, and Homeland Security, along with national intelligence officials.
The Office of Personnel Management must develop a government-wide recruitment and retention strategy for quantum science workers within 90 days. The order notes this strategy could include special pay rates and increased limits for recruitment incentives.
Additionally, the Secretary of Commerce is required to develop plans to strengthen supply chains. The order also directs the State and Commerce departments to align international engagements to ensure companies have access to strategic markets while preventing countries of concern from acquiring critical technologies.