SCSP Launches 'Quantum States' Newsletter to Track U.S. Quantum 2.0 Leadership

Quantum information science, engineering, and technologies (QISET) has entered its second phase, Quantum 2.0, and is rapidly transitioning from lab-based research to real-world applications that are reshaping strategies and finances across the federal government and private sector. According to experts at the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), this evolution builds on Quantum 1.0, which gave rise to lasers and transistors, and now centers on photonics, microelectronics, and specialized materials. To track this progress, SCSP has launched a new limited newsletter, “Quantum States,” which examines how different states and regions are leading in quantum innovation. The newsletter assesses states on metrics such as cited quantum research, patents, the volume of pure play and quantum-enabling companies, military research facilities, breadth of the full quantum stack (computing, sensing, and networking), and quantum-related job openings.

Currently, California leads in most aspects of Quantum 2.0, including industrial capacity, talent pipelines, and market ecosystems. Other established hubs include New York, Illinois, Colorado, Maryland, and Massachusetts. Meanwhile, Texas, North Carolina, and Florida are poised to become major players, thanks to their high numbers of PhDs awarded and the presence of quantum research centers at many academic institutions. SCSP experts emphasize that a robust quantum ecosystem is not a one-size-fits-all approach; it requires a cohesive, strategic effort that leverages each state’s unique strengths. They note that “the most successful quantum states build strong synergies between pillars of a quantum ecosystem: academia, NIST, national labs, startups, and private industry.” True quantum hubs emerge where industry, academia, and government actively connect. For more information and future editions of the Quantum States newsletter, visit scsp.ai.