International Quantum Research Exchange Act
The International Quantum Research Exchange Act would require the Secretary of State to create a Quantum Cooperation Program aimed at boosting international collaboration in quantum information science (QIS). The program would award competitive, matching grants to U.S. colleges, universities, and eligible nonprofits (or their consortia) engaged in international collaborative QIS research, and it would fund international scientist exchanges ranging from short visits to multi-year exchanges. The initiative is designed to align with other U.S. national quantum efforts by coordinating with key science and security agencies and by following established national strategies on quantum information science. In addition to funding, the bill imposes strategic and security constraints: it would restrict funding to partners that have signed quantum cooperation statements with the United States or are members of the Five Eyes alliance, and it would prohibit funding with any foreign adversary. It requires adherence to federal research-security guidelines (including NSPM-33), periodic consultations with Congress and other stakeholders, annual reporting on activities and priority countries, and a 10-year sunset period. The initial authorized funding is $20 million for fiscal year 2026.
Key Points
- 1Establishes a Secretary of State program to boost international QIS collaboration through competitive, matching grants to U.S. institutions of higher education or eligible nonprofit organizations (or consortia) and supports international scientist exchange programs of varying durations.
- 2Requires coordination and strategic alignment with federal science leadership, including OSTP, the National Quantum Coordination Office, and National Science and Technology Council subcommittees, and ties funding to the National Quantum Information Science Strategy; restricts funding to partners with quantum cooperation statements or Five Eyes members; prohibits funding with foreign adversaries.
- 3Embeds research-security requirements drawn from the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act and NSPM-33 guidance to protect federally funded R&D from foreign influence or exploitation.
- 4Mandates consultation with Congress, the Special Envoy for Critical and Emerging Technologies, industry leaders, academic experts, and other relevant U.S. agencies in developing and operating the program.
- 5Requires an annual report to the appropriate congressional committees describing activities, and listing priority countries for increased QIS collaboration; authorizes $20 million for FY2026 and sunsets the program after 10 years.