Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., has introduced a bill that seeks to form a Defense Department-led consortium to coordinate quantum computing research efforts between government, academic and commercial entities.
The Quantum Computing Research Act would establish the Quantum Computing Research Consortium to offer grants and manage public-private sector collaboration, according to an article published Thursday on Harris’ website.
The bill would assign the Army Research Laboratory, Office of Naval Research, the Office of Science and Technology Office and National Quantum Initiative members to lead an East/West Quantum Consortium of Partner Universities and Companies.
“Quantum computing is the next technological frontier that will change the world and we cannot afford to fall behind,†Harris said.
“It could create jobs for the next generation, cure diseases, and above all else – make our nation stronger and safer.”
The Fiscal 2018 National Defense Authorization Act signed into law in December mandates the Pentagon to create a quantum research program.