I still remember the hushed silence that fell over the room at the 2023 Quantum World Congress when a renowned physicist explained how quickly quantum computing could render our current encryption methods obsolete. It wasn’t just the technical implications that struck me, but the visible concern on the faces of government officials and business leaders in attendance. That moment crystallized why quantum technology isn’t just another tech innovation—it’s a national security and economic imperative.
Last week, quantum technology experts testified before Congress with a clear message: America needs sustained investment in quantum research to maintain its competitive edge in this transformative field. The Capitol Hill briefing, organized by the University of Chicago, gathered leading voices who emphasized that quantum computing isn’t merely an academic pursuit but a critical component of our technological future.
“We are at an inflection point in the development of quantum information science and technology,” explained David Awschalom, director of the Chicago Quantum Exchange and professor at the University of Chicago. “Quantum computers will eventually solve certain types of problems that are impossible for today’s supercomputers to tackle.”
What makes quantum computing so revolutionary is its fundamental departure from classical computing. While traditional computers process information in bits (1s and 0s), quantum computers use quantum bits or “qubits” that can exist in multiple states simultaneously. This property, known as superposition, allows quantum computers to explore countless solutions to complex problems at once.
The potential applications span healthcare, finance, materials science, and national security. Quantum computers could accelerate drug discovery by simulating molecular interactions with unprecedented accuracy. They might optimize financial portfolios across millions of possible scenarios in seconds. Perhaps most critically, they could break the encryption that protects everything from government communications to banking transactions.
“The nation that leads in quantum technology will have significant advantages in national security and economic competitiveness,” warned Juan de Pablo, Executive Vice President for Science, Innovation, National Laboratories, and Global Initiatives at the University of Chicago.
This isn’t hyperbole. According to recent research from McKinsey, quantum technologies could create up to $1.3 trillion in value by 2035. Countries including China, the EU, and the UK have recognized this potential, launching multi-billion-dollar national quantum initiatives in recent years.
The U.S. has made significant investments through the National Quantum Initiative Act of 2018, which established research centers nationwide. However, experts at the briefing stressed that maintaining leadership requires more than short-term funding—it demands sustained, strategic investment in both fundamental research and workforce development.
“We need to train the next generation of quantum engineers and scientists,” emphasized Katherine Priestley, managing director of Cambridge Quantum Computing. “The quantum workforce gap is one of our biggest challenges.”
Having covered the tech industry for over a decade, I’ve seen many “next big things” come and go. But quantum computing feels different. At a recent demonstration at Berkeley Lab, I watched researchers use a quantum simulator to model complex material behaviors that would be practically impossible on classical computers. The implications for developing new pharmaceuticals, super-efficient batteries, or revolutionary solar cells were immediately apparent.
Yet significant challenges remain. Quantum systems are notoriously fragile, requiring temperatures colder than deep space to operate. Errors accumulate quickly, making reliable calculations difficult. Building practical, error-corrected quantum computers that outperform classical machines for useful applications—a milestone called “quantum advantage“—remains years away.
Some industry leaders recommend a two-track approach: continue investing in long-term fundamental research while also developing “quantum-ready” applications that can be deployed as the technology matures.
The briefing emphasized that universities play a crucial role in this ecosystem, bridging fundamental research and commercial applications. The Chicago Quantum Exchange, for example, connects academic institutions with industry partners to accelerate development and adoption of quantum technologies.
“The United States’ historical strengths in innovation have come from our unique ecosystem of universities, national laboratories, and industry collaboration,” noted Paul Alivisatos, President of the University of Chicago. “We need to leverage these partnerships to maintain quantum leadership.”
For everyday Americans, quantum computing might seem abstract, but its impacts will be concrete. More effective medications. Smarter artificial intelligence. More secure communications. Potentially significant disruptions to financial markets and cybersecurity.
As I left that quantum computing demonstration at Berkeley, a graduate student researcher told me something that stuck with me: “The question isn’t whether quantum computers will transform society, but who will control that transformation.” The congressional briefing made clear that answering this question is not just a scientific or technical matter—it’s a strategic priority requiring focused national attention.
The quantum race is on, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
