The global quantum effort leading to research and innovation in quantum science and technology is continually rising with current worldwide investments exceeding $55.7 billion. Overall, the global quantum technology market is projected to reach $106 billion by 2040 [1].
We have summarised the main programs and efforts around the world below. It is not a quantum race; it is a global ecosystem to develop the new quantum technology!
Australia has invested AU$130 million through federal funding for the development on quantum technologies [2]. As announced in Budget 2023, Australia is investing another AU$101.2 million over next 5 years from the government’s $1 billion critical technology fund to support a new national quantum strategy [3].
Australia has made significant progress in increasing the public profile of quantum technology, with CQC2T (Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology) Director Professor Michelle Simmons named as Australian of the Year for 2018 [2]. The EQUS (Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems) was set up to conduct world-leading research to exploit the potential of quantum science and develop a range of transformational technologies [4].
As per the Australian government resources, the total estimate of Australian public investment in quantum technologies until Jan 2024 stands at AU$893 million. The University of Queensland secured more than AU$29 million through the Queensland Quantum and Advanced Technologies Strategy to lead quantum evolution with 10 new projects in Australia [5]. Albanese Government invests additional AU$60 million in Australian innovation to give Defence a technological edge [6].
The Austrian government has recognised the importance to invest in research and development. The Austrian government is making a significant investment in quantum research and technology, committing €107 million to the « Quantum Austria » initiative [7]. This funding, drawn from the NextGenerationEU Development and Resilience Plan (2020-2026), underscores Austria’s commitment to fostering innovation, bolstering its economic recovery, and maintaining a competitive edge in the global technological landscape. Led by the Federal Ministry of Science, Education and Research, Quantum Austria aims to accelerate the development of quantum research and technologies. The initiative is a collaborative effort, jointly implemented by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) and the Austrian Science Fund (FWF).
Quantum Austria is a key component of the Austrian RTI Strategy 2030, the federal government’s overarching strategy for research, technology, and innovation. It directly supports the strategy’s goals, from promoting excellent and collaborative research to expanding digital infrastructures. By investing in the knowledge and skills necessary for researching, developing, and utilizing new quantum technologies, Austria is actively strengthening its—and Europe’s—technological sovereignty and securing its position as a leading location for business and innovation. The FFG and FWF are working in close partnership to provide comprehensive support to researchers and companies across the science and innovation sectors as they embark on groundbreaking quantum projects.
Brazilian Company for Industrial Research and Innovation (Embrapii) intends to create a Competence Center in Quantum Technologies in Brazil with an initial investment of BRL60 million announced from Future of Industry initiative [8]. This funding comes from the « Future of Industry » initiative, specifically from the PPI IoT/Manufacturing 4.0 program of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI). Senai Cimatec, a renowned education, science, technology, and innovation institution located in Salvador, Bahia, has been selected to lead this crucial initiative.
In parallel, the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) is launching the Quantum Technologies Initiative (QuTIa) program, with a budget of approximately BRL 31 million over an initial five-year period [9]. QuTIa’s primary goals are to accelerate development, cultivate human resources, and strengthen scientific and technological leadership in quantum technologies within São Paulo and across Brazil. Brazil has a history of investing in quantum technology research, with over two decades of dedicated efforts in training researchers and exploring diverse topics through the Millennium Institutes and National Institutes of Science and Technology (INCTs), particularly focusing on quantum information. Furthermore, FAPESP’s Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers (RIDCs), such as the Optics and Photonics Research Center (CePOF) at the University of São Paulo (USP), São Carlos campus, have been instrumental in establishing strong research groups in São Paulo.
Canada is considered one of the world’s leading nations in quantum research. It has invested more than CA$1 billion in quantum research over the past decade [10]. Canada has a growing private sector impact, outstanding research expertise, and extensive government commitments to innovation. This places the country in a very strong position to drive quantum technology development [11].
As of April 2021, a further CA$360 million investment to launch a National Quantum Strategy was announced by the Canadian Government [12]. Quantum Algorithms Institute will receive CA$2.2 million from the Canadian Government to accelerate innovation and commercialisation in quantum technologies [13]. An additional federal investment of CA$40 million was announced to enable Xanadu Quantum Technologies Inc. to build and commercialize the world’s first photonic-based, fault-tolerant quantum computer [14]. To solidify Canada’s position in next-generation networks, Ericsson and Government of Canada have invested over CA$470 million in 2023 and CA$630 million in 2024 boosting R&D operations focusing on advanced mobile networks, AI, and quantum technologies [15].
China is believed to be one of the leading nations in quantum information science, as the country began investing in quantum research and development very early on, by the end of the 90s. Over the past two decades, quantum information science has received significant recognition in China, as the First Prize of National Natural Science of China in 2013 and 2015 has been awarded to this field.
By 2030, China aims to have expanded its national quantum communications infrastructure, developed a general quantum computer prototype, and constructed a practical quantum simulator. It is estimated that the Chinese government has invested around $15 billion in quantum technologies, however this figure has not been officially confirmed [16].
In March 2025, China announced to establish a national venture capital guidance fund that will mobilize 1 trillion yuan ($138.01 billion) into cutting-edge fields such as AI, quantum technology, and hydrogen energy storage [17]. The exact funding towards quantum technologies is still unknown.
Innovation Fund Denmark invested 80 million DKK in the Quantum Innovation Centre -Qubiz involving three universities: the Niels Bohr Institute at the University of Copenhagen, the Technical University of Denmark, DTU and Aarhus University [18]. Innovation Fund Denmark funded FIRE-Q (Field-Ready single-photon Quantum technology) with 17.8 million DKK and Crypt Q with 22.5 million DKK to develop technology for secure quantum communication [19]. Novo Nordisk Foundation in collaboration with the University of Copenhagen has established a new quantum computing programme and awarded a grant of 1.5 billion DKK to build Denmark’s first fully functional quantum computer [20].
With the launch of the new national strategy, Denmark seeks to maintain a long-term focus on quantum research and innovation to solidify the country’s leadership position within quantum technology. As part of the research strategy, the Danish government intends to spend a billion DKK to strengthen quantum research and innovation over the next five years [21].
In close collaboration with ATOM Computing and Invest in Denmark, EIFO announced an investment of 70 million DKK aligned to the national strategy of the Danish government to become a centre for international quantum technology [22].
Around a hundred years after the publication of revolutionary ideas from Einstein, Schrödinger, and others, Europe still retains the largest share in academic quantum output [23]. The European Commission allocated 1 billion € of funding over 10 years to launch the European Quantum Flagship in 2018 [24]. Its main aim is to “consolidate and expand European scientific leadership and excellence in this research area in order to kick-start a European industry in quantum technology”.
The official Flagship document has been endorsed by over 3500 representatives from academia and industry, calling on the EC to invest in QT as a core future technology. The Quantum Flagship’s new Coordination and Support Action (QUCATS) will foster an open and inclusive ecosystem at the European and international levels, to contribute to the development of QT benchmarks and standards, and to step-up training and education of a quantum aware workforce [25].
Quantum Flagship projects create and develop technologies for downstream activities, like the deployment of quantum computers and simulators in European High-Performance computing (EuroHPC) or the deployment of a quantum key distribution (QKD) infrastructure in the European quantum communication infrastructure (EuroQCI) initiatives.
Under EuroHPC initiative, the first European quantum computers will be hosted across six sites in Europe: in Czechia, Germany, Spain, France, Italy, and Poland [26]. The total planned investment for this initiative is over €100 million with participation from 17 European countries.
The EuroQCI initiative was launched in 2019 by the European Commission and all 27 Member States and it will build a secure quantum communication infrastructure spanning the whole EU, including its overseas territories [26].
Under the Digital Europe Programme of the European Commission, two workforce development initiatives DigiQ (Digitally Enhanced Quantum Technology Master) and QTIndu(Quantum Technology Courses for Industry) are funded to address the growing needs of quantum-ready workforce [27].
The government of Finland has granted a project of 20.7 million € funding to VTT and IQM to build its first Quantum Computer for 2020–2024 and further investment of EUR 70 million for 2024–2027 to scale up the quantum computer towards 300 qubits [28]. The Research Council of Finland awarded 13 million € to the Finnish Quantum Flagship (FQF) project in 2024 [29].
Finland has introduced a national quantum technology strategy in 2025 outlining a roadmap to leverage quantum technology for national growth and sustainable development for the period of 2025-2035 [30]. Finland has allocated a total of 274 million € in the quantum RDI activities during 2020-2024 and for the procurement and deployment of shared devices for the period 2024–2027 under the EU Chips Act [31].
France has been investing 60 million € in quantum technologies every year until 2021. In January 2021, French President Emmanuel Macron announced a five-year investment plan worth 1.8 billion € in quantum technologies, which he said would put France among “the world’s top three” in this field [32]. This increased public investment from €60m to €200m a year. The strategy focuses on accelerating research, development, and industrialisation across key quantum technologies domains. A central goal is to build a robust French ecosystem, foster talent development, and promote international collaboration to ensure technological sovereignty and drive economic growth.
In March 2024, the French Government launched the PROQCIMA program with a goal to have two prototypes of universal quantum computers with 128 logical qubits by 2030, and industrializing fault-tolerant systems extending to 2048 logical qubits by 2035 [33]. The program initiative announced the selection of five French companies to receive substantial funding, up to €500 million collectively, to accelerate their work on developing these prototypes.
In 2018, the German Federal Government announced a Framework Programme to bring quantum technologies to market. They also allocated 650 million € funding to its quantum technologies Programme [34].
The goals for the programme are:
In July 2020, the German government announced a 2 billion € quantum effort, supplementing EU plans for 1 billion € in investment through 2028 [35].
Germany has also received a significant boost to their quantum efforts from IBM, who recently unveiled a new quantum computer in the country. This is IBM’s first quantum computer outside of America and is also now one of the most powerful in Europe. In 2023, Germany announced a total of 3 billion € action plan for quantum technologies in the development of a universal quantum computer by 2026 [36].
In 2018, the Hungarian National Quantum Technology Programme has received a state subsidy of HUF 3.5 billion over a four-year programme period with a focus on activities such as quantum cryptography communication between two points and the execution of quantum bit operations [37]. This program, led by the HunQuTech consortium (a collaboration of top academic institutions and industry players like Ericsson and Nokia Bell Labs), initially focused on quantum cryptography and quantum bit operations to develop future quantum computing prototypes. Their goals included connecting Hungary to the European quantum internet, boosting researcher competitiveness, and increasing the number of quantum technology professionals.
Expanding on this foundation, the Quantum Information National Laboratory secured another HUF 3.5 billion in 2023 from the National Research, Development and Innovation Office (NKFIH) for the next three years [38]. This laboratory, also led by the ELKH Wigner Research Centre for Physics, aims to create a regional quantum communication network to integrate with the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI), develop essential quantum hardware components, and cultivate a highly skilled local scientific community in quantum computing.
The IISc (Indian Institute of Science) has a dedicated research area for quantum technology. The Initiative on Quantum Technology explores many areas such as superconducting qubit devices, single photon sources and detectors for quantum communications, integrated photonic quantum networks, and quantum sensors [39].
This year, the Indian government has introduced a NM-QTA (National Mission on Quantum Technologies and Applications) with a total budget of INR 8000 crores over a five-year period [40]. Indian Government approved National Quantum Mission at a total cost of INR 6003.65 crores, to scale up scientific and industrial R&D, for accelerating Quantum Technology-led economic growth and leverage India into a leading nation in the area [41]. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that a lot of commercial applications are expected to emerge from theoretical constructs developing in this area.
The QUEST centre (QUantum Entanglement in Science and Technology) has been established in Israel to advance the application of quantum mechanics to both fundamental and applied science [42].
A government panel in Israel is assigning NIS 1.2 billion to a 6-year quantum technology program. The funding will come from the Council of Higher Education, the Defense Ministry’s Research, Arms Development and Technological Infrastructure Administration and academic institutions [43].
One of Google’s R&D centers located in Tel Aviv, Israel, is actively researching quantum computing. They hinted at a computer chip that, with the power of quantum computing, was able to manage and analyse in one second the amount of data that would take a full day for any supercomputer [44].
As part of the funding, the Israel Innovation Authority and the Ministry of Defence have opened requests from business and universities to partake in a NIS 200 million project to build Israel’s first quantum computer with 30-40 qubits [45].
Italy has invested 227.4 million € during 2021-2024 to bolster quantum research, industrial applications, and workforce development [46]. Italy has announced its first draft on National Strategy for Quantum technologies for public consultation outlined in a 65-page government report [47].
Italy has already demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing quantum technologies as in EuroQCS-Italy, which is a part of the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking European initiative to advance QC. This project aims to integrate quantum computers into existing high-performance computing (HPC) data centers, supporting a wide range of applications.
A long series of strategic funding and R&D promotion on quantum science and technology have stepped up Japan’s leading position as China and US forge ahead. The Japanese Government launched the Q-LEAP (Quantum Leap) initiative in 2018 [48] to invest in R&D projects in three fields of quantum technology: Quantum simulation and computation, Quantum sensing, and Ultrashort pulse lasers. The Moonshot Project is expected to invest around ¥15-20 billion to achieve its goal of creating a fault-tolerant universal quantum computer by 2050 [49]. In April 2022, a new strategy, named the Vision of Quantum Future Society was formulated by the Japenese government for society’s positive evolution by embedding quantum technology throughout social and economic systems [50].
The Japanese government has allocated ¥1.05 trillion ($7 billion) for next-generation chip and quantum computing research, as a part of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s ¥10 trillion pledge for semiconductor and AI development by 2030 [51].
In 2019, the Netherlands published a National Agenda on Quantum Technologies with four areas of focus in quantum:
The Agenda aims to position the Netherlands as a leading international centre and hub for quantum technology.
Many Dutch universities and knowledge institutes are leaders in the field of quantum internet, quantum algorithms, and post-quantum cryptography, thus making The Netherlands a strong player in the field of quantum research [52]. 135 million € from six parties will be invested in QuTech, the quantum technology institute of the TU Delft (Delft University of Technology) and TNO (Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research)[53].
The Netherlands invested approximately 350 million € in the quantum field already, excluding the new national initiative. The Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs has also announced that they have allocated 615 million € to Quantum Delta NL in order to aid the advancement of quantum technology [54].
In summer 2021, the New Zealand government made a new investment in the country’s future – NZ$36.75 million funding over the next 7.5 years for the Dodd-Walls Centre for Photonic and Quantum Technologies [55]. To leverage New Zealand’s niche expertise in quantum technology research, programme developed by Te Whai Ao – Dodd-Walls Centre for Photonic and Quantum Technologies, one of New Zealand’s leading centres for quantum research and a Centre of Research Excellence will receive up to NZ$12 million of government funding over the next 5 years [56].
The Norwegian government launched a quantum initiative at OsloMet’s quantum hub to present an annual investment of NOK 70 million for research into quantum technology [57]. For strengthening Norwegian research on quantum technology, leading experts have opened the Gemini Center for Quantum Technology for the period 2024–2028 [58].
The Philippines government has announced their quantum technology roadmap to invest ₱860 million by 2030 for developing its own quantum computer, network, simulator, and metrology [59]. A key milestone in this roadmap is the recent inauguration of the Quantum and Intelligent Systems Laboratory for Power Engineering (QISLaP) at the Technological Institute of the Philippines (TIP). This pioneering facility, the first of its kind in the country to specifically focus on the energy sector, received an ₱18 million grant from the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD).
In recognition of its steadfast commitment to building Qatar’s innovation and technology capacity, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) has received $10 million grant to fund the establishment of the Qatar Center for Quantum Computing (QC2) [60]. Qatar plans to pour $1 billion over the next decade into quantum computing. The government’s investment will go toward building an ecosystem that includes infrastructure and funding for research, development, and training.
Russian scientists have been developing cornerstones of quantum technologies for many decades. Quantum research in Russia is supported by both governmental and industrial entities [61].
The Russian government announced in 2019 that it will invest around 50 billion roubles over the next 5 years into basic and applied quantum research carried out at leading Russian laboratories [62]. The investment is part of a 258 billion roubles investment by the Kremlin into research and development of digital technologies.
The Russian government will allocate at least 100 billion rubles on the development of quantum technologies until 2025 [63]. A new framework is being developed under which the Russian Federation will build quantum computers with 50 to 100 qubits and quantum communication networks with a total length of at least 7 thousand kilometers.
In 2007, the Singapore government helped to establish CQT (Centre for Quantum Technologies) that enlists physicists, computer scientists, and engineers to do basic research on quantum physics and to build devices based on quantum phenomena [64].
To date, the Centre’s researchers have published around 2,000 scientific papers, participated in projects winning over S$40 million in grants and established start-up companies. They have also trained over 60 PhD students in quantum technologies [65].
The centre is investing S$25 million over 5 years in a new Quantum Engineering Programme [66]. With the addition of S$96.6 million in the Phase 2 , the National Research Foundation is investing a total of $121.6 million in the Quantum Engineering Programme. Additionally, the programme is committing S$23.5 million to the three platforms for up to 3.5 years to grow the country’s capabilities in quantum computing, quantum-safe communication and the manufacturing of quantum devices [67].
Singapore has announced its National Quantum Strategy (NQS), backed by nearly S$300 million — about $219 million US, adds to the initial S$400 million research and development budget that the National Research Foundation has poured into quantum technology since 2002 [68]. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) committed an additional S$100 million under the Financial Sector Technology and Innovation Grant Scheme establishing a Quantum track to support financial institutions’ interests to build quantum capabilities in Singapore [69].
Wits University has secured R54 million funding from the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) to co-ordinate and set up the South African Quantum Technologies Initiative (SA QuTI) [70]. South Africa has formalised its national approach through a Framework for Quantum Technology-Driven Research and Innovation, published by DSTI in 2021. SA QuTI consortium is comprised of five universities; Wits University, SU, the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), the University of Zululand and Cape Peninsula University of Technology. This Initiative entered its second phase in April 2025, backed by DSTI funding of ZAR142 million over next five years [71].
The new quantum computing research in the Republic of Korea will include:
Through the development of key technologies for quantum computing, the government plans to complete demonstration of a practical five-qubit quantum computer system with more than 90 percent reliability by 2023. Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) announced the “South Korea’s Quantum Science and Technology Strategy” for the quantum leap of the country’s quantum science, technology [73]. South Korea plans to invest over KRW 3 trillion in quantum science and technology by 2035, aiming to become a global leader in the field [74].
Spain announced an investment of 60 million € to build a quantum computer through the Quantum Spain project in 2021 which contributed towards the creation of a quantum ecosystem in Spain [75]. The Spanish Government’s Quantum Technologies Strategy 2025-2030, launched in 2025, aims to establish Spain as a global leader in quantum technologies. It builds on 300 million € in prior investments. The strategy, supported by 808 million € from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan, focuses on advancing quantum computing, communications, and sensing [76].
The strategy promotes partnerships across academia, industry, and government to strengthen Spain’s quantum ecosystem. It includes a 10 million € Quantum Communications Hub to drive research, use-case development, and training. Funding supports institutions like the Institute of Photonic Sciences (2.4 million €) and the Quantum Information and Communication Research Group (1.4 million €).
To build broad competence in quantum technology in Sweden, the Wallenberg Center for Quantum Technology (WACQT) in partnership with Swedish Research Council has initiated a decade long research programme with an investment of SEK 1.6 billion supporting the establishment of a national quantum research centre [77]. The research programme is managed and mainly located at Chalmers with a focus in four key areas: quantum computers, quantum sensors, quantum simulators and quantum communications. The other participating universities are KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Lund University. In 2021, WACQT received an additional SEK 1.3 billion to scale up quantum research initiative [78].
The Swedish Government’s Quantum Technology Strategy 2025–2030, announced in 2024 tasked the Swedish Research Council with a proposed investment of SEK 6.5 billion to advance research, education, innovation, commercialization, and infrastructure [79]. The initiative seeks to leverage Sweden’s strong quantum research base, driven by institutions like KTH, Chalmers, and WACQT.
The Swiss federal government announced an investment of CHF10 million ($11 million) in the Swiss Quantum Initiative (CHQI) in 2023 and 2024, with further significant investment planned in 2025-2028. The Swiss Quantum Initiative is led by the Swiss Quantum Commission to strengthen Switzerland’s leading position in the field of quantum technology [80].
The Swiss Quantum Initiative (SQI) 2025–2028, operational since 2023, aims to cement Switzerland’s global prominence in quantum technology. Directed by the Swiss Quantum Commission (SQC) and hosted by the Swiss Academy of Sciences (SCNAT) under a federal mandate, it drives advancements in quantum computing, communication, and sensing. With CHF 20 million for 2023–2024 and CHF 82.1 million proposed for 2025–2028, the SQI funds research, innovation, and infrastructure through competitive calls managed by the SNSF and Innosuisse [81]. The 2024 Quantum Call supported 13 projects with CHF 16 million. Engaging key players like ETH Zurich and EPFL, the initiative promotes industry-academia collaboration, skill development, and technology transfer.
Taiwan is strategically investing heavily in quantum technology to bolster its position as a global tech hub beyond its semiconductor manufacturing dominance. In November 2020, the government announced an NT$8 billion investment over five years for quantum development [82]. This commitment is spearheaded by the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), which has designated quantum technology a strategic priority under its Forward-looking Research Platforms.
A significant outcome of this initiative is the establishment of the National Quantum Team in March 2022, a collaborative effort involving the NSTC, Academia Sinica, and the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA). This team is tasked with accelerating Taiwan’s quantum capabilities. Taiwan has already achieved notable milestones, including the introduction of its first five-qubit superconducting quantum computer in early 2024 by Academia Sinica. Platforms like « Quantum Taiwan » facilitate crucial knowledge exchange and partnerships, underscoring the nation’s dedication to developing practical and commercially viable quantum technologies.
In Sept 2020, the Thailand’s Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation announced ฿ 200 million ($6 million) to develop quantum technology over eight years [83]. The Thai government, through its Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), published a Quantum Technology Roadmap 2020–2029 to guide development in three focus areas: quantum computing & simulation, quantum communication, and quantum metrology & sensing. A key initiative, the « Establishment of Integrated Ecosystem for Quantum Technology Research in Thailand, » brings together five leading institutions: Suranaree University of Technology (quantum sensing), Chulalongkorn University (quantum computing theory), Chiang Mai University (experimental quantum simulation), and Prince of Songkla University (quantum communication). The National Institute of Metrology Thailand (NIMT) leads quantum metrology, with a flagship optical lattice atomic clock project. This collaborative national effort, complemented by events like Siam Quantum, aims to build core expertise and connect Thai researchers globally.
Over the years, the UK has shown increasing participation in quantum research and development. The UK began its first five-year phase in 2015, and after its success, announced the second five-year phase at the end of 2019.
The first phase consisted of over £385 million investment across several UK government agencies. During this phase, the UK created a vision for its National strategy for quantum technologies [84]. Four hubs involving around 30 universities including associated companies and government organisations were established. The four research ‘Hubs’ consisted of research programmes, comprising academics with industry and government partners. They specialised on the known areas of quantum technologies: imaging, ultra-precise sensors, secure communications, and new concepts for quantum computing.
During the first phase, the UK heavily invested time and resources into quantum research to look into developing sensitive gravity detectors, quantum simulators, quantum computers and miniature atomic clocks. The establishment of a National Quantum Computing Centre was announced in 2018. Having recognised the benefits of quantum computing, this centre will be established to help the UK to evaluate, design, develop, and build a practical quantum computer [85].
Since then, investment in quantum technologies in the UK has certainly not taken a downturn, as at the end of 2019, the second phase of quantum research and development began. This phase builds on the first phase by refreshing the research Hubs to revise the agendas based on global, as well as national, developments in the field over the past five years. In June 2019, the UK government announced a further £153 million investment with an industry commitment of £205 million [86]. Furthermore, there is a new focus: industrialisation of quantum technologies.
To date, the UK has invested more than £1billion over the two phases of quantum technologies development [87].
The UK Government has published the National Quantum Strategy, which sets out a ten-year vision and plan for quantum in the UK, committing to spend £2.5 billion to research, innovation, skills and other activities in that period, as well as committing an additional £80 million over the next two years towards key activities [88].
From the late 1990s, several funded IC and defense-related programs were initiated by the US government to explore how quantum could aid US National Security [89].
The NQI (National Quantum Initiative Act) was introduced in 2018, with a five year budget of over $1.2 billion. This allows federal government bodies to accelerate the growth of quantum technologies by collaborating with academic institutions and private industry [89].
NQI funding will go to NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology), NSF (National Science Foundation), Multidisciplinary Centers for Quantum Research and Education, the Department of Energy Research and National Quantum Information Science Research Centers. The National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee composed of 22 experts from industry, research and federal agencies will meet twice a year to discuss quantum activities [90].
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced $65 million in funding in quantum computing for 10 projects in September 2024 [91]. Following a sustained investment in the NQI Program, building upon the establishment of several NQI centers, the Quantum Economic Development Consortium, and new QIS R&D activities, an additional investment of approximately $4 billion were reported in the annual budget report of 2024 [92]. To maintain and expand the United States’ leadership in the global race for quantum technology, the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act was introduced which would authorise $2.7 billion in federal funding to accelerate quantum research and development at federal science agencies for the next five years [93].
The first quantum revolution transformed the world into the highly connected, technology-driven society we see today. With the second revolution, we can expect ultra-high precision clocks, sensors for medical diagnostics and more sophisticated machine learning. Quantum devices could also enable us to see around corners, map hidden underground hazards, and easily solve problems that existing computers could not. With these ground-breaking capabilities that quantum technologies bring globally, it’s no wonder why governments all over the world are eager to invest in the industry.
