Quantum Innovation Becomes a State-Level Race, SCSP Report Shows

The Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), a nonprofit and nonpartisan initiative aimed at strengthening America's long-term competitiveness in artificial intelligence, has released a new limited newsletter, "Quantum States," that examines the geography of quantum innovation across the United States. The newsletter highlights how quantum information science, engineering, and technologies (QISET) are rapidly evolving from lab-based projects to real-world applications, with significant implications for federal and private sector strategies and finances.

Quantum 1.0, the first phase of QISET development, gave rise to technologies like lasers and transistors. Today, Quantum 2.0 focuses on advances in photonics, microelectronics, and specialized materials. As the United States seeks to enhance its quantum capabilities, SCSP's analysis shows that place-based innovation is critical. The newsletter assesses states across metrics such as cited quantum research, patents, the number of pure-play and enabling companies, military research facilities, the breadth of the quantum stack (computing, sensing, and networking), and quantum-related job openings.

According to SCSP experts, "Developing a robust ecosystem of quantum technologies is not a one-size-fits-all approach, in which local leadership is guaranteed by hosting the most companies within a region. Rather, it requires a cohesive, strategic effort leveraging strengths within that state." Currently, California leads in most aspects of Quantum 2.0, including industrial capacity, talent pipelines, and market ecosystems. Other established hubs include New York, Illinois, Colorado, Maryland, and Massachusetts. However, several states are poised to become players, including Texas, North Carolina, and Florida, given their high number of PhDs awarded and the presence of quantum research centers in many of their academic institutions.

The SCSP experts emphasize that "the most successful quantum states build strong synergies between pillars of a quantum ecosystem: academia, NIST, national labs, startups, and private industry." Ultimately, true quantum hubs emerge where industry, academia, and government actively connect. This localized approach to quantum innovation matters because it suggests that federal and state policies must be tailored to regional strengths rather than adopting a uniform strategy. The implications are significant for economic development, national security, and technological competitiveness. States that foster these synergies will likely attract investment, talent, and high-paying jobs, while those that do not may fall behind.

For more information and future editions of the Quantum States newsletter, visit https://scsp.ai.