The Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C) has garnered attention recently for its groundbreaking Quantum Technology Showcase on Capitol Hill, which featured live demonstrations of state-of-the-art quantum technologies from twenty-two member companies. The showcase was a resounding success, highlighting the crucial role of innovation in advancing quantum technology across various sectors.
Hosted by the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, the event attracted a diverse audience of legislative offices, federal agencies, and industry stakeholders. It provided a unique opportunity for policymakers to witness firsthand the impact of quantum technologies on U.S. competitiveness globally. The Quantum Economic Development Consortium has been instrumental in driving the rise of quantum technology, and the showcase was a testament to its dedication to pioneering quantum innovation.
Celia Merzbacher, the QED-C executive director, underscored the significance of the quantum industry in stimulating economic growth and enhancing national security. She emphasized that while quantum technology is still in its early stages, it holds the potential to create products, businesses, and job opportunities that will shape the future of quantum development. The event also served as a platform to advocate for the reauthorization of the National Quantum Initiative (NQI), a critical step in ensuring continued support for quantum research and development.
Senator Marsha Blackburn commended the groundbreaking work in the field of quantum technology, reaffirming the importance of advancing quantum development to maintain a competitive edge globally. With the Chinese government’s ambitious aspirations to lead the quantum revolution, the U.S. quantum industry is poised to be a game-changer in various sectors, including commercial, defense, and healthcare.
The Quantum Technology Showcase featured demonstrations from an impressive lineup of U.S. quantum industry innovators, including Amphenol, AOSense, Bluefors, D-Wave, Google Quantum AI, IBM, and many more. These pioneering companies are at the forefront of driving quantum technology forward and are instrumental in shaping the future of quantum innovation.
Established through the 2018 NQI Act and managed by SRI, a nonprofit research institute, the Quantum Economic Development Consortium is a public-private partnership supported by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and other government agencies. With over 240 members, including startups, large tech companies, universities, and national labs, the consortium continues to make significant strides in advancing quantum technology.
The Quantum Technology Showcase was a resounding success, underscoring the pivotal role of innovation in the quantum industry and its far-reaching impact on the economy and national security. As quantum technology continues to evolve, events like these will play a crucial role in raising awareness and fostering collaboration to drive the quantum future.