President Donald Trump has signed two executive orders directing the US government to take a more unified approach to quantum information science and technology (QIST) and to prepare for the cyber security challenges that quantum computers will bring. The orders, signed on 22 June, aim to accelerate the commercialisation and deployment of quantum computing, sensing and networking, while also trying to ensure that US sensitive data and critical national infrastructure remain secure in a post-quantum world.
A coordinated quantum strategy
The first executive order builds on the National Quantum Initiative Act, which was signed into law in 2018 during Trump's first term. That earlier law created a coordinated federal framework for quantum research and development. The new order gives federal agencies six months to update America's National Quantum Strategy so that it reflects the fast-maturing quantum ecosystem and actively promotes the commercial use of quantum technology.
As part of this effort, the order establishes the Quantum Computer for Application Development and Discovery Science (QC-ADDS) Effort, a cross-agency programme designed to pursue a quantum computer at a scale that will 'initiate the era of quantum-enabled scientific discovery.' Under the proposed terms, at least one such computer is to be delivered to the Department of Energy. If possible, that machine would also be opened up to the wider scientific community, giving researchers outside government access to advanced quantum hardware.
Beyond hardware, the order directs the government to identify at least three next-generation quantum sensor projects to prioritise by the end of September 2028. It also calls for a plan to advance the commercial readiness of quantum sensing, sensor-manufacturing technology, and quantum network-enhanced timing. These areas are seen as critical for applications such as navigation, medical imaging, geological analysis, and secure communications.
The first order also includes a broader push to strengthen the QIST ecosystem. The government is instructed to support supply chains, encourage private sector adoption of QIST standards, and create clear research and development pathways. In parallel, a separate project will aim to ensure that cyber security concerns around quantum technology are properly addressed. The goal is to implement balanced controls that protect US interests without stifling innovation. The State and Commerce departments are directed to work with international allies and partners, including the United Kingdom, to align policies and standards.
Preparing for the quantum security threat
The second executive order focuses specifically on cryptographic security. It sets out to reinforce the protection of sensitive data, critical national infrastructure (CNI) and the digital economy. The order looks to effectively execute the transition of government IT systems to post-quantum cryptography (PQC) standards developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). It also directs the government to assist CNI owners and operators as they carry out their own upgrades to quantum-resistant security.
The urgency around these orders reflects a growing recognition that quantum computing is no longer just a scientific curiosity. It has moved into the realm of economic competitiveness and national security. Governments around the world are investing heavily in quantum research, and the private sector is beginning to bring quantum products and services to market. At the same time, the threat posed by quantum computers to existing encryption is becoming better understood.
One of the most frequently cited risks is the 'harvest now, decrypt later' attack. In this scenario, an adversary steals encrypted data today and stores it until a sufficiently powerful quantum computer becomes available. When that happens, the data can be decrypted retroactively. This makes the transition to quantum-resistant cryptography urgent, especially for organisations that handle sensitive information such as government communications, financial transactions, medical records, and military data.
Quantum computers work in a fundamentally different way from classical computers. Instead of using bits that are either 0 or 1, they use qubits that can exist in superposition, allowing them to represent both states at once. This enables quantum computers to explore many possibilities simultaneously, which could lead to breakthroughs in areas such as drug discovery, materials science, artificial intelligence, and optimisation. However, it also means that quantum computers could eventually break widely used public-key encryption systems, including RSA and elliptic curve cryptography.
NIST has been leading a global effort to develop post-quantum cryptographic standards. The first set of standards was finalised in 2024, and additional algorithms are still being evaluated. Transitioning government systems to these new standards is a major undertaking. It involves inventorying existing cryptographic usage, updating hardware and software, and ensuring interoperability across agencies and with external partners. The new executive order is intended to give that effort the necessary momentum and resources.
Quantum sensing and networking
The emphasis on quantum sensing and networking in the order also signals a broader strategic intent. Quantum sensors can measure extremely small changes in magnetic fields, gravity, and time. This has applications in navigation, where GPS is unavailable; in medical imaging, where more precise diagnostics can be developed; and in mineral exploration, where quantum sensors can detect underground resources. Quantum networks, meanwhile, could enable ultra-secure communication using quantum key distribution, as well as linking multiple quantum computers together to increase their processing power.
Industry reaction
Industry reaction to the executive orders has been positive. Carlos Moreira, chair and CEO of Sealsq, said the order acknowledged that quantum has now moved from a purely scientific conversation to one of security and economic competitiveness. He noted that as governments invest heavily in quantum computing, protecting research data, intellectual property and supply chains from cyber espionage becomes increasingly important. He also highlighted the challenge that sensitive information stolen today could be stored and decrypted in the future as quantum capabilities mature. That makes quantum-resistant security measures a consideration now, particularly for organisations involved in advanced research, semiconductors, AI and critical infrastructure.
Moreira also pointed out that securing the quantum ecosystem will require more than protecting research labs. It will also mean safeguarding the devices, networks, software and supply chains that support quantum innovation. This is a point echoed by the executive order's emphasis on supply chains and international cooperation.
Stefan Leichenauer, vice-president of engineering at SandboxAQ, said the US has a window of opportunity to lead in this domain. He said it requires coordinated investment across the stack, including cryptography, compute infrastructure, data generation and application development. It also requires strong partnerships between government, industry and academia to focus resources and talent towards a common goal. Leichenauer added that the new White House executive order on quantum will provide the spark needed to stimulate quantum leadership and innovation in the years to come.
The executive orders also raise questions about how the US will balance rapid innovation with regulation. Quantum technology is still in its early stages, and many technical challenges remain. Building a large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer is extremely difficult. Qubits are fragile and prone to errors, and maintaining the extremely low temperatures required for many quantum systems is expensive and energy-intensive. These technical barriers mean that practical, large-scale quantum computing is not expected for several years, but the pace of progress has been accelerating.
International competition adds another layer of urgency. Countries such as China, the UK, and members of the European Union have launched their own quantum programmes and are investing substantial public funding. Supply chains for quantum components, such as specialised chips, cryogenic systems, and precision lasers, are still developing. The new US orders are designed to ensure that American researchers, companies, and national laboratories remain at the forefront of these developments.
For business leaders and technology executives, the orders are a reminder to start preparing for quantum now, even if large-scale quantum computers are still years away. This includes conducting cryptographic risk assessments, identifying systems that rely on vulnerable encryption, and developing migration plans to PQC. It also includes monitoring developments in quantum sensing and networking, which may create new opportunities and risks for their industries.
The federal government's push to update its own systems will create a ripple effect. Contractors, vendors and partners that do business with the US government will need to comply with new cryptographic requirements. This will accelerate the adoption of PQC across the private sector as well. Critical infrastructure operators in sectors such as energy, finance, transportation, and healthcare will be under increasing pressure to strengthen their security postures against future quantum threats.
At the same time, the orders aim to foster a robust domestic quantum ecosystem. By supporting standards, supply chains, and R&D, the government hopes to create an environment where quantum start-ups and established technology companies can thrive. This, in turn, should help the US maintain a strategic technological advantage in a field that will likely shape the future of computing, communications, and national security.
The six-month deadline for updating the National Quantum Strategy is a sign that the administration wants to move quickly. The exact details of the updated strategy, including specific budget allocations and programme milestones, will be watched closely by the quantum community. The establishment of QC-ADDS, in particular, could have significant implications for the Department of Energy's national laboratories, which are expected to host the new quantum computers and provide access to them for scientific research.
Quantum networking is another area poised for growth. Beyond secure communication, quantum networks could enable distributed quantum computing, where multiple quantum processors are linked to tackle problems beyond the capabilities of a single machine. They could also support quantum-enhanced sensing, creating a nationwide infrastructure for precision measurement. The executive order's focus on quantum network-enhanced timing highlights the importance of time synchronisation for applications such as power grids, financial trading, and telecommunications.
The orders also reflect a broader shift in how governments view quantum technology. Once confined to physics laboratories, quantum is now part of industrial policy and geopolitical strategy. Countries that lead in quantum technology are expected to enjoy significant economic and military advantages. The US has been among the front-runners, alongside China and Europe, but the race is far from over.
The two executive orders represent a significant step toward integrating quantum technology into the mainstream of US government policy. They address not only the promise of quantum computing, but also the practical challenges of securing existing systems and infrastructure. With deadlines set, agencies mobilised, and international partners engaged, the coming months will be crucial in determining how effectively the US can translate its quantum ambitions into reality.
Source:ComputerWeekly.com News