Government to Coordinate Quantum Computing Initiatives

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) have agreed to coordinate their quantum computing efforts.

The organizations signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to create a framework for planning and coordinating quantum computing research, development, engineering, and test and evaluation activities.

DOE and DARPA plan to initially study the current status of quantum computing and where future developments might lead.

DARPA recently published interim findings from the second phase of its quantum benchmarking program, which showed that quantum computing is living up to its promise for some use cases but falling short in others.

“DOE and DOE national labs employ some of the world’s best scientists and engineers,” said program manager for the DARPA quantum benchmarking initiative Joe Altepeter.

“DARPA is thrilled to partner with DOE to create the world’s best verification and validation team for fault-tolerant quantum computers. Together, DOE and DARPA are going to separate hype from reality, at scale.”

DOE’s recent activities in the quantum space include funding research by IonQ and Oak Ridge National Laboratory to explore how quantum technology can be used to modernize the U.S. power grid and awarding a total of $7 million to further quantum research.

Related:DARPA Benchmarking Delivers Quantum Computing Reality Check

The DARPA partnership will use DOE’s established quantum resources including five national research centers, user programs for quantum computers, quantum computing and internet testbeds, and basic research in materials, chemistry, theory and simulation, imaging and sensing.

DOE also intends to make advances in quantum science and technology that it can apply to its own use cases.

“Realizing practical quantum computers has the potential to dramatically accelerate the pace of discovery across the science and technology landscape,” said DOE associate director of science for the advanced scientific computing research program Ceren Susut.

“The Office of Science is proud to bring decades of experience in fundamental science for quantum computing, best-in-class tools for scientific research and unique experience in the development, acquisition and application of the world’s most powerful computers to this partnership. We are looking forward to collaborating with DARPA to prove the promise of quantum computing technologies.”