National Quantum Initiative Act

The National Quantum Initiative Act is an Act of Congress passed on December 13, 2018, and signed into law on December 21, 2018. The law gives the United States a plan for advancing quantum technology, particularly quantum computing.

National Quantum Initiative Act

Long title	An Act to provide for a coordinated Federal program to accelerate quantum research and development for the economic and national security of the United States.
Enacted by	the 115th United States Congress
Effective	December 21, 2018
Citations
Public law	115-368
Legislative history
Introduced in the House as H.R. 6227 by Lamar Smith (R-TX) on Jun 26, 2018 Committee consideration by Science, Space and Technology (House) and Commerce, Science and Transportation (Senate) Passed the House on September 13, 2018 (8229-8234) Passed the Senate on December 13, 2018 () Signed into law by President Donald Trump on December 21, 2018

Act

The act was passed unanimously by the United States Senate and was signed into law by President Donald Trump.^{[1][2][3][4][5][6]} The National Quantum Initiative (NQI) provides an umbrella under which a number of government agencies develop and operate programs related to improving the climate for quantum science and technology in the US, coordinated by the National Quantum Coordination Office.^[7] These agencies include the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the United States Department of Energy (DOE).^[8] Under the authority of the NQI, the NSF and the DOE have established new research centers and institutes, and NIST has established the Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C), a consortium of industrial, academic, and governmental entities.^[9]

Recent Developments

In May 2025, U.S. lawmakers introduced the bipartisan Quantum Sandbox for Near-Term Applications Act (S.1344), aiming to amend the National Quantum Initiative Act.^[10] The proposed legislation seeks to establish a public-private partnership to accelerate the development of near-term quantum applications by creating testbeds—referred to as "quantum sandboxes"—for innovators to test quantum technologies in real-world environments. The initiative focuses on applications that can be developed and deployed within 24 months, with emphasis on sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and healthcare.^[11][12]

Texas Quantum Initiative

In May 2025, the Texas House of Representatives passed House Bill 4751, establishing the Texas Quantum Initiative. The legislation aims to position Texas as a national leader in quantum technology by fostering advancements in quantum computing, networking, and sensing technologies. The initiative outlines the development of a comprehensive strategic plan, the attraction of quantum projects and partners to Texas, expansion of workforce training opportunities, and support for developing a quantum manufacturing supply chain within the state. An executive committee appointed by the governor will oversee the initiative, and a dedicated fund will be established to support its activities. The bill is scheduled to take effect on September 1, 2025, pending approval by the Texas Senate and the governor.^[13][14]