Supply chain workers in a warehouse consulting via virtual meeting.

The quantum future will change lives

 

Quantum computing and sensing improvement drives growth in all industries and labor markets. The quantum future will provide predictive models for finance, reduce time in discovering new drugs, improve processes for manufacturing methods and logistic supply chains, enable data encryption and drive cybersecurity for all. These advancements will change nearly every facet of our lives, but we won’t have to wait long: quantum is here.

Everyone already experiences the benefits of classical computing daily in our cell phones, cars, and internet security and search. While computer chips have been getting smaller and processors more powerful, today’s computers (and even supercomputers) have hit their relative ceiling.

Quantum will expand opportunities for creative thought, driving the biggest innovations and solving complex problems in less time—all of which create economic value through increased efficiency, security, and productivity.

But it’s not all computing power. Sensing and communications round out the expanse of future developments. Quantum sensing provides measurements with a sensitivity that is orders of magnitude greater than classical sensing, meeting global research and market demands for greater precision. Quantum technologies will create ultra-secure methods for transmitting sensitive data, reducing threats of cyberattack for governments, militaries, and businesses.

 

Most importantly, quantum will impact economic prosperity and security for all South Carolinians.

Quantum momentum is global, national, and local

 

Global

The National Quantum Initiative Act was signed into law on December 21, 2018. The Act gives the United States a plan for advancing quantum technology, particularly quantum computing. The US has made a $1.2B initial investment in quantum over the next several years. Quantum investments in countries such as China, Germany, and the Uk equal or surpass our investments.

National

Many states are investing in quantum technology, education, and workforce development. Illinois invested $500M, Colorado invested $74M, and South Dakota invested $6M.

Local

South Carolina is in the game with a $15M investment. We're an emergent leader in championing quantum talent and technology for our state, our region, and beyond. Our vision is settling a globally competitive and dynamic quantum-ready workforce and economy here in South Carolina.

Foreign Quantum Investment

$10

B

China's investment in quantum

$2.1

B

Germany's investment in quantum

$1.2

B

UK's investment in quantum

Research is establishing quantum epicenters

 

In 2018, the North Carolina State Quantum Hub at North Carolina State University emerged as one of the leading university centers of expertise in the US. IBM designated North Carolina State’s Centennial Campus as its first university-based quantum hub in North America.

 

The quantum computer IBM Q at the Thomas J. Watson Research Center. Image: IBM

 

In January 2020, the US Department of Energy announced that $625m of the earmarked budget would be used over the next five years to create five new quantum information research hubs, including locations in Chicago, New York, Berkeley, and Tennessee.

As of late 2023, the 11 top research institutions included IBM, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Harvard, Max Planck Society, University of Chicago, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of California, Berkeley, University of Maryland, Princeton, Google Quantum Computer Research, University of Tokyo.

Additionally, the following institutions have already made considerable commitments to quantum:

  • University of Science and Technology of China
  • University of Washington
  • University of Oxford
  • Duke University
  • National Institute of Standards & Technology
  • Stanford
  • California Institute of Technology
Demystifying quantum technology is a crucial step toward building a quantum-smart workforce. By understanding and embracing this technology, we can ensure that our workforce is informed and prepared for the future.
Sitemap