Science Project Funding Options

Headline: The "Science Project" Era is Over. The US Congress Calls for a "Quantum First" 2030 Goal. The just-released 2025 Annual Report to Congress doesn’t mince words: #Quantum is no longer just a research silo — it is a mission-critical national asset. At Global Quantum Intelligence, LLC, we’ve long analyzed the divergence between the U.S. "distributed" innovation model and China’s "centralized" industrial strategy. This report confirms that the gap is closing, and the stakes are shifting from theoretical supremacy to industrial utility. Key Takeaways from a GQI Perspective: 🔬 The "Quantum First" Mandate: The Commission explicitly recommends a national goal to achieve quantum advantage by 2030 in three specific domains: Cryptography, Drug Discovery, and Materials Science. This aligns perfectly with GQI’s sector analysis — these are the first movers for economic value. 🏗️ Infrastructure over Qubits: Crucially, the report highlights a massive gap in the enabling stack. It calls for modernizing cryogenic labs, fabrication lines, and measurement facilities. As our data shows, you can't build a quantum economy on qubits alone; you need the industrial supply chain to scale them. 🤝 The Convergence Multiplier: The report identifies the intersection of Quantum + AI as the ultimate asymmetric advantage. This isn't just about faster computing; it's about redefining the foundations of intelligence and secure communication. 📉 The Sovereign Risk: China is pouring "industrial-scale funding" into these dual-use technologies, often obscuring progress in cryptographically relevant sectors. The U.S. response must be equally robust, moving from "funding science" to "buying outcomes." For more about this report, visit the podcast we have posted on the Quantum Computing Report with our partners at HKA Marketing Communications featuring Leland Miller and Mike Kuiken, members of the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission, discussing the report. You can find the podcast at https://lnkd.in/ekNGJABt The window for "wait and see" has closed. 📖 Read the full report to congress: https://lnkd.in/egpr_JdT #QuantumIsComing

🚀 2025: The International Year of Quantum – The Beginning of the End 2025 is officially The International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. But let’s be clear: This isn’t just a celebration—it’s a reckoning. The hype phase is over. The days of limitless promises without results? Done.  Now, only those who execute will survive. Here’s the latest on what’s shaping the quantum industry’s next chapter: 🔹 Quantum-focused funds are taking off - QDNL Participations launched a €60M global quantum fund. - Quantonation secured Novo Holdings’ strategic backing. - More funds are raising right now, and Global Quantum Intelligence, LLC (GQI) is tracking them closely. 🔹 Big-name investors are stepping in - SandboxAQ raised $300M from T. Rowe Price, Breyer Capital, Eric Schmidt, Marc Benioff, Yann LeCun, and others. - SEEQC secured $30M from NordicNinja VC, Booz Allen Hamilton Ventures, and EQT Ventures. - Alice & Bob landed $104.9M to push fault-tolerant quantum computing. 🔹 New hardware players are challenging the old guard - ZuriQ is disrupting trapped-ion scaling. - Qolab raised $16M for high-coherence superconducting qubits. The AI industry is in a cost-efficiency battle—and now quantum hardware startups are fighting to bring quantum systems to scale. 🔹 Enterprise quantum adoption is accelerating - Microsoft launched the Quantum Ready program to help businesses integrate quantum. - Accenture invested in QuSecure for post-quantum cybersecurity. 🔹 Governments are doubling down 🇺🇸 U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced $625M for National Quantum Research Centers. 🇪🇺 EU Quantum Strategy & Quantum Act are coming this year. 🇨🇦 Government of Canada invested $51.4M USD into 107 quantum projects.. 🔹 2024 was the year of roadmaps—now comes accountability QuEra Computing Inc., Infleqtion, Pasqal, Riverlane, Quantinuum, Quandela, IQM Quantum Computers, Alice & Bob, Microsoft, D-wave, IonQ, IBM, Google, PsiQuantum and others laid out aggressive roadmaps. Investors and enterprises are watching closely—those who don’t deliver will fall behind. 🔹 Public quantum companies capitalized on market momentum D-Wave Systems raised $150M. Quantum Computing, Inc. Inc. secured $50M for its photonics chip foundry. IonQ is expanding into quantum networking with its Qubitekk acquisition. 🔥 And then… NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang’s "15-30 years" comment threw financial markets into confusion. Days later? NVIDIA announced the first-ever Quantum Day at GTC, proving its deep commitment to quantum. 🚨 The End of the Easy Era – Now, the Grind Begins The exploratory phase is over. The real market is forming. The weak players will be left behind. Who will deliver? Who will fail? #QuantumIsComing Link to the full article in the comment. #quantum #quantumcomputing #investor #new #era

🌐 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞: 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐦 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞'𝐬 𝐅𝐘 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 🌟 The National Quantum Initiative (NQI) continues to drive transformative #innovation, as highlighted in the newly released #NQI Supplement to the #President’s FY 2025 #Budget. This report underscores the United States' strategic commitment to #quantuminformationscience (#QIS), a groundbreaking convergence of #quantummechanics and #information theory that is reshaping #computing, #sensing, and #networking capabilities. Key Highlights: 📈 Rising Investments: From $456M in FY 2019 to a requested $998M for FY 2025, the U.S. demonstrates unwavering support for QIS research and development #RandD 💡 Innovation in Action: Landmark achievements include #postquantumcryptography #standards, international #collaboration strategies, and a dedicated focus on #quantumnetworking. 👩💻 Workforce Expansion: Efforts are underway to build a diverse and inclusive quantum workforce that reflects the whole of society. 🌍 International #Partnerships: Recognizing that global cooperation accelerates progress, the U.S. continues to foster collaborative advancements in QIS. The National Quantum Initiative Act remains a cornerstone in ensuring that American leadership in QIS technology thrives, fostering new scientific frontiers while safeguarding economic and national security. This report is a testament to the Administration's dedication to shaping a future where quantum technologies benefit every sector, from security to prosperity. The time to invest, innovate, and build is now. 💬 Let’s discuss: What steps can #industry, #academia, and #government take to maximize the impact of QIS advancements on society? #QuantumInnovation #NationalQuantumInitiative #FutureTechnology #QuantumLeadership

The U.S. Government Might Take Equity Stakes in Quantum Companies. And that changes everything. According to The Wall Street Journal, Washington is in talks with IonQ, Rigetti, and D-Wave ...not for grants, but for ownership stakes. That’s a seismic shift. It means quantum computing isn’t just research anymore. It’s strategy. It’s national security. Here’s what makes this moment historic: • Rigetti and D-Wave recently raised major rounds, pushing their cash positions above $500M and $800M. They now have real runways and real leverage. • IonQ is sitting on roughly $1.6B after its last raise. If the government invests there, it’s pure validation not rescue. • The big tech names like Google, IBM, Microsoft don't seem to be at the table. The focus is on independent innovators driving America’s technological sovereignty. If this deal moves forward, it could ignite a new wave of investor confidence and reprice the entire quantum sector overnight. In the meanwhile expect a speculative bump that could erase the past week's decline. Regardless of the outcome: Quantum has crossed the line from experiment to national priority. What are your thoughts? #QuantumComputing #Innovation #Technology #Investing #NationalSecurity #IonQ #Rigetti #DWAVE #AI #GovernmentPolicy #WSJ

DARPA Launches Initiative to Identify the Most Impactful Quantum Computer Quantum Benchmarking Program Aims to Shape the Future of National Security and Economic Power In a strategic move to maintain U.S. technological superiority, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has launched the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI), a bold effort to determine which quantum computing platforms under development today have the greatest potential to become transformative technologies within the next decade. Rather than focusing on current performance, QBI aims to forecast long-term value and real-world utility. Reframing the Quantum Race • From Performance to Potential • DARPA’s QBI flips the traditional evaluation model: instead of rewarding today’s top-performing quantum machines, it seeks to identify which architectures and technologies will likely lead to groundbreaking applications. • “We turned the question on its head,” said Joe Altepeter, QBI program manager, explaining that the goal is to anticipate which systems will be most beneficial to U.S. security, industry, and innovation. • Global Landscape and Uncertainty • With more than 70 companies building quantum computers—from superconducting qubits to trapped ions and photonics—the field is crowded but unsettled. • Many systems show promise in controlled labs but remain far from proving real-world value in logistics, materials science, cryptography, or battlefield decision-making. Goals and Methodology of QBI • Use-Driven Benchmarks • The QBI will set benchmarks based on real-world impact, such as solving previously intractable optimization problems, modeling chemical reactions, or performing secure communications beyond classical capabilities. • These benchmarks will help evaluate not only speed and qubit count, but also error tolerance, scalability, and relevance to military and industrial needs. • Industry and Academic Collaboration • DARPA plans to work closely with academic researchers, commercial quantum developers, and federal labs to create simulation models and cross-platform comparisons. • This open, collaborative model could influence both public R&D policy and private investment in quantum startups. Why It Matters for National Strategy and Technology Leadership • Strategic Quantum Advantage • Quantum computers promise revolutionary advances in encryption, logistics, advanced materials, and artificial intelligence—domains with direct implications for national defense and economic competitiveness. • By leading the charge in benchmarking and prioritization, DARPA aims to ensure the U.S. is first to deploy practical quantum computing for real missions. • Guiding Federal Investment and Risk Reduction • QBI will help policymakers and agencies focus limited resources on technologies with the highest likelihood of success, avoiding hype-driven dead ends. https://qai.ai/decks

The FY2027 U.S. R&D memo makes it clear how high priority quantum, space and AI are. Key takeaways: Priorities: AI and quantum (right at the start!); semiconductors/microelectronics; advanced comms (5G/6G+); future compute; advanced manufacturing; energy dominance (incl. fission, fusion, critical minerals); national security and resilience; health/biotech and biomanufacturing; space systems and in-space operations. Cross-cutting actions: Gold Standard Science; STEM and workforce pipelines; open, shared research infrastructure and autonomous labs; streamlined tech transfer with stronger public-private consortia; funding consolidation toward high-value, mission-aligned programs. Let's see how this translates to programs and budget lines.

While the US government has multiple science funding mechanisms at its disposal (small grants, big grants, person-based grants, contracts), the bulk of research funding has long been delivered through relatively small, incremental project grants. While these can have a high return on investment, they may be ill-suited to solving complex challenges that require focused, team-based efforts. Thats why the National Science Foundation's X-Labs program - which was launched today - is so exciting. The NSF announced $1.5 billion over the next decade (up to $50 million per team, per year) to fund independent teams of researchers, engineers, and entrepreneurs. NSF is using Other Transaction Authority (look it up, it’s cool) to fund teams, is using milestone-based funding, and will give funded teams substantial independence and flexibility. There are two initial X-Labs topic areas, Quantum Systems (proposals due July 24) and Scientific Instruments for Sensing and Imaging (due July 13). Here's more info: https://lnkd.in/eRpyiiy8

The proposed US policy is to take equity stakes in quantum firms aims to boost competitiveness against China, but from my global vantage point, it may achieve the exact opposite. This Quantum Zeitgeist report suggests the Trump administration is considering taking equity stakes in private quantum computing firms. According to the article: - The plan would use the Department of Energy's authority to provide funding in exchange for ownership. - The goal is to boost U.S. competitiveness and counter heavy investment from China. - It represents a significant potential shift in how the government supports critical technology. As someone who talks with governments worldwide on quantum strategy, I believe this specific mechanism - direct state equity - is a strategic misstep. This isn't a political point, but an observation on global market dynamics. In my discussions, it's clear that the trust in the U.S. has been eroding. The most common question I hear from policymakers around the world is: "How do we achieve quantum sovereignty?" To make it worse: policymakers in some nations I would not have expected are now expressing that they perceive the geopolitical risk of engaging with China as different, but in some cases, more predictable, than the current trajectory of dependency on the U.S. In this context, if a U.S. quantum company is seen as an extension of the U.S. government - not just a partner but a direct asset - its ability to operate globally will be further constrained. This move would validate the very concerns driving sovereignty discussions abroad. The goal of bolstering U.S. quantum capacity is vital. However, this method risks undermining the very "competitiveness" it wants to create by limiting its global market reach. A more sustainable path lies in fostering innovation through grants, R&D partnerships, and international cooperation on standards - building trust, not signifying control. #QuantumComputing #QuantumSovereignty #Geopolitics #TechPolicy #NationalSecurity #Innovation #DeepTech #Quantum https://lnkd.in/g26fTUFF

Quantum Policy: Front and Center in 2023, but There’s More Work to do in 2024!   As we break for the holiday recess, #quantumcomputing has been a priority for policy makers, demonstrated by bi-partisan congressional support for near-term application development to solve #publicsector problems, and recognition that all types of #quantumtechnologies must be considered for U.S. #quantum programs (annealing, gate-model, and quantum-hybrid technologies). Here is a wrap up for 2023:      The number of quantum computing bills introduced that focused on near-term quantum signaled an important mindset shift among lawmakers.  Among the initiatives are: • Quantum pilot program in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)  • Quantum Sandbox Bill support in both chambers (H.R. 2739 and S. 1439)  • Quantum Manufacturing Bill (S. 2450)  • Quantum in Practice Act (H.R. 1748 and S. 969)  • Wildfire Technology Demonstration, Evaluation, Modernization, & Optimization (DEMO) Act (H.R.4235)  • Appropriations language in both the Commerce State Justice and Energy & Water bills supports near-term quantum applications   The NDAA, currently awaiting signature by President Biden, establishes a pilot program focused on developing near-term applications to solve problems facing the Department of Defense (DoD). The new law includes:      • Testing, evaluating, and using quantum and quantum-hybrid applications to address problems facing the near-term needs of the military   • Consideration to use all quantum technologies • Calls to build and strengthen relationships with small businesses & nontraditional defense contractors, an important move given the significant quantum innovation driven by small businesses like D-Wave    The House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology passed legislation reauthorizing and expanding the National Quantum Initiative (NQI) by incorporating provisions such as: • A dedicated near-term quantum application development program  • Explicit inclusion of all quantum computing technologies • A push for commercialization   • Support for industry engagement within U.S. quantum programs  • Greater engagement across government agencies by bringing the NOAA: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of State, and others into quantum programs So much was accomplished in 2023, but there is still more for the 118th Congress to address. In 2024, the House and Senate will both take up the NQI and appropriations in early 2024, and they must move quickly to strengthen U.S. quantum programs.   The quantum industry is thankful to the Congressional leadership, and we stand ready to work with you to finalize quantum policy initiatives in 2024.   Jay Obernolte Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren Alan McQuinn Catherine J. Jacob Smith QED-C U.S. Quantum Industry Coaltion Shine Lee

Quantum isn’t the future. It’s the foundation. AI is the engine—but quantum is the fuel. While the headlines obsess over AI’s latest parlor tricks, Washington is quietly retooling America’s entire tech stack for something far more transformative (and dangerous to ignore): Quantum Computing. In 2025, the U.S. finally started treating quantum not as research novelty but as existential infrastructure. 📜 National Quantum Initiative Act reauthorized: $2.7B in funding ⚡ Quantum Leadership Act – establishing new national research centers 🤝 Quantum LEAP Act – bipartisan alignment across both chambers 🧩 Biden’s Executive Order – mandates post-quantum cryptography across federal systems This isn’t about robots taking your job. It’s about foreign adversaries cracking our data vaults in a decade unless we act now. While D.C. gears up... 🚨 Texas is launching. 📘 House Bill 4751, authored by Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, creates the Texas Quantum Initiative, attached directly to the Governor’s Office. That matters. It’s not buried in a task force. It’s treated as a state priority. 🔹 Establishing a strategic plan for Texas to lead globally in quantum 🔹 Forming an executive committee of industry experts 🔹 Investing in infrastructure (labs, systems, networks) 🔹 Prioritizing commercialization—not just research 🔹 Expanding workforce training and education 🔹 Coordinating statewide with universities, companies & feds 🔹 Mandating public transparency via regular reports This is how government can operate when it serves the future by staying close with the private sector. As I argued earlier this year in Quantum or Bust: The Playbook for Post-Silicon Economic Dominance, “Quantum doesn’t just solve problems faster—it solves problems we previously thought were unsolvable. From climate modeling to national defense, it opens doors AI can’t even find.” 🧠 AI, for all its hype, runs on legacy hardware. The silicon ceiling is real—and we’re hitting it. Quantum? It’s not an upgrade. It’s a paradigm shift. I want the #Texas Quantum Corridor: Engineered, a deliberate ecosystem fusing university research, defense contracts, fiber-optic backbones, and compute infrastructure. Because here’s the real question... Is quantum more important than AI? Without it, AI is just elegant math running on overtaxed machines. With it, we unlock an entirely new dimension of intelligence. The race isn’t to build more models. It’s to build the foundation they’ll require next. 📣 Come see for yourself: 📍 June 17 | 6:15–7:45 p.m. | Google Austin (in-person) Join the The Austin Forum on Technology & Society for a special evening with William Hurley, CEO of Strangeworks. No PhD required; just curiosity.