Overview
- The White House signed two executive orders on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, directing a revised national quantum strategy and launching an initiative to build a government research-capable quantum computer.
- Office of Science and Technology Policy chief Michael Kratsios set an aspirational target for the Department of Energy to host a research-grade quantum computer by 2028, a goal described by officials but not fixed by law.
- The orders require several agencies, including NASA and DOE, to produce five-year deployment plans for quantum technology and accelerate the federal move to post-quantum cryptography to protect sensitive data.
- The administration said it has moved significant funding into the field, reporting roughly $2 billion in minority investments in startups and about $625 million directed to national quantum research institutes.
- Officials and companies warn that practical quantum machines remain immature, so the push will focus on research gains, infrastructure hardening for energy and water utilities, and industry competition with China while timelines stay uncertain.