U.S. Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-CA) on April 20 introduced a bipartisan bill to establish a public-private partnership that would work to accelerate the commercial development of quantum technology.
“Quantum computing is a game-changing advancement in technology,” Rep. Obernolte said. “It will dramatically increase the speed at which computers can run algorithms and solve problems, enabling new opportunities to improve our supply chains, transportation networks, electrical grid, and our communication resilience.”
The congressman sponsored the Quantum Sandbox for Near-Term Applications Act of 2023, H.R. 2739, with three original cosponsors, including U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI), to promote U.S. innovation for quantum technology and to augment the long-term basic research currently being conducted through the National Quantum Initiative, which is up for reauthorization this year, according to a bill summary provided by his office.
While full commercial-grade quantum computing is still years away, the development of a quantum sandbox will provide an avenue for public-private partnerships to develop quantum-enabled software tools for use by companies in a wide variety of critical sectors, the bill summary says.
“The Quantum Sandbox for Near-Term Applications Act will help to ensure the United States remains a global leader in not only the development but also the implementation of new quantum technologies by providing a cloud-based venue for developers to produce quantum-enabled software tools from a variety of different systems for use in sectors such as telecommunications, financial services, healthcare and defense,” said Rep. Obernolte.
The Alliance for Digital Innovation D-Wave, Strangeworks, and Zapata Computing endorsed the bill, which has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Science, Space, and Technology Committee.
“Research has shown us that quantum computers can efficiently solve problems in the near term,” said Rep. Stevens. “I am proud to co-lead the Quantum Sandbox for Near-Term Applications Act to ensure quantum research is effectively translated into real-world applications.”