Introduction
Quantum computing is an exciting new field that leverages the strange properties of quantum physics to perform calculations that are effectively impossible on classical computers. Government investment in quantum computing has accelerated in recent years as nations race to be the first to fully harness its potential. But who is leading this quantum technology race?
I will compare the major government investments in quantum computing across the globe. I’ll look at funding amounts, research priorities, and technological progress to determine which nations currently have an edge. Understanding the front-runners in this field will shed light on who might first unlock the revolutionary applications of quantum computing.
United States
The United States has made quantum computing research a national priority. In 2018, Congress passed the National Quantum Initiative Act, which authorized over $1.2 billion in quantum spending over 5 years.
The key agencies directing US quantum research are:
- National Science Foundation (NSF) – Funds university research in quantum information science. Annual budget of $175 million.
- Department of Energy (DOE) – Runs the national labs pursuing quantum computing hardware. Annual budget of $237 million.
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) – Sets standards and benchmarks for quantum technologies. Annual budget of $80 million.
With this funding, the US has assembled a world-class research infrastructure. The national labs (Argonne, Oak Ridge, Los Alamos, Berkeley) house some of the most advanced quantum prototypes. Universities like MIT, Caltech, and UChicago are pioneering quantum algorithms and theory.
The US government has also established dedicated partnerships with leading computing companies. Google, IBM, and Microsoft are collaborating closely with national labs and receiving federal grants.
So far, highlights of US-led research include:
- Google’s 2019 quantum supremacy milestone on the Sycamore chip
- IBM’s 127-qubit Eagle processor in 2021
- IonQ’s latest trapped ion computer with 433 qubits
The US has more quantum hardware patents than any other nation and is considered the overall leader in quantum computing research. However, other countries are pouring money into competing with the US.
China
China has emerged as a serious challenger in the quantum race. The Chinese government announced plans to spend $10 billion on quantum research by 2030.
The Chinese Academy of Sciences houses two national laboratories focused on quantum computing – one for physics/hardware and one for computer science/software. Major tech companies like Alibaba, Baidu, and Tencent are conducting their own quantum research as well.
Highlights of China’s progress include:
- ** Jiuzhang photonics quantum computer** – 76 qubits using photons
- Góngzhǔ light source – Powerful prototype quantum photonic chip
- Quantum experiments on the Micius satellite – Achieved quantum entanglement from space
While China currently lags behind the US in hardware capabilities, it is making rapid strides. Chinese researchers are also exploring quantum cryptography and quantum communication technologies.
With its huge investment and research workforce, China is positioning itself to be a quantum leader.
European Union
The European Union (EU) launched a €1 billion quantum research initiative in 2018. The Quantum Flagship is a 10-year megaproject bringing together research groups across the EU.
The initiative funds academic research, startups, and collaborations with major companies like Thales and Nokia Bell Labs. The EU is hoping quantum technologies can fuel economic growth.
Some Quantum Flagship highlights:
- Pasqal’s cold atom quantum computer – 100 qubits
- QuTech’s spin qubit processors – Pursuing silicon-based quantum chips
- Quantum communication networks – Establishing ultra-secure quantum links between cities
In addition to the EU-wide program, certain countries like Germany, France, and the UK have national quantum computing labs and funding schemes as well.
While no single entity in the EU matches the scale of US efforts, the region as a whole is dedicating serious resources to quantum research.
Other Notable Countries
Beyond the big three funders, other nations are making quantum investments as well:
- Canada – Over $1 billion pledged to quantum research, home of D-Wave quantum annealing systems
- Australia – Hosts university-based quantum computing centers and startups
- Japan – Fujitsu is developing quantum-inspired digital annealers
- Singapore – Committed $130 million to establish a quantum engineering program
These countries are trying to carve out quantum niches and advance select technologies like quantum sensors or simulators.
Outlook
In summary, the global quantum computing race is led by the United States thanks to its unparalleled national lab infrastructure and strong academic research base. However, China is investing heavily in quantum technologies and rapidly gaining ground across the hardware and software stack. The European Union is also nurturing a vibrant quantum ecosystem through multinational collaboration.
Other countries are targeting niche applications, but lack the scale to challenge the dominant trio. The quantum landscape could shift rapidly as new breakthroughs are made. Continued government investment and policy support will be crucial to realizing the transformative potential of quantum computing. We are only beginning to glimpse what may become possible in this fascinating and complex field.
