Department of Energy Quantum Leadership Act of 2025
The Department of Energy Quantum Leadership Act of 2025 would overhaul and greatly expand the Department of Energy’s (DOE) role in quantum information science (QIS) by amending the National Quantum Initiative Act. It directs DOE to run a broad research, development, and demonstration program in quantum information science, engineering, and technology, with an emphasis on workforce development, industry collaboration, and commercialization. The bill creates new and expanded programs, centers, and infrastructure funded through DOE, aiming to accelerate domestic quantum technology, build a robust quantum supply chain, and integrate quantum capabilities with DOE’s mission areas (notably energy and national security). Key elements include: establishment and funding for National Quantum Information Science Research Centers and a DOE Instrumentation and Foundry Program to develop and deploy hardware, tools, and foundries; a high-performance computing strategy that integrates quantum and classical computing; a comprehensive network/infrastructure effort for quantum communications and cloud-based access; a traineeship program to broaden participation in QIS; a supply-chain study; and strong safeguards to restrict funding to certain foreign entities and to promote U.S. leadership while coordinating with other federal agencies. The bill also tightens oversight and requires periodic strategic planning and renewal of centers, with specific funding caps through 2030 and several new mandates to bridge research, development, and commercialization.
Key Points
- 1DOE-led quantum R&D, training, centers, and industry outreach: Establishes a comprehensive DOE program to advance quantum information science, engineering, and technology, including research experiences for students and active engagement with industry to commercialize DOE-relevant quantum applications.
- 2DOE Quantum Information Science Research Centers and Foundries: Creates/renews National Quantum Information Science Research Centers (with broader scope and potential industry participation) and launches quantum instrumentation and foundries to build and scale hardware, materials, and related infrastructure, in collaboration with national labs, universities, and industry.
- 3Strong emphasis on industry collaboration and domestic supply chains: The Secretary of Energy must work with industry and other federal agencies to advance commercialization, educate both energy and quantum sectors about practical applications, strengthen U.S. supply chains, and facilitate access to specialized quantum tools for small and medium-sized businesses.
- 4High-performance computing strategy and early-stage quantum HPC: Requires a 10-year strategic plan to guide federal programs in hybrid, energy-efficient computing that can integrate quantum, AI, and ML accelerators; creates an early-stage quantum HPC program to inform the plan and develop a workforce, including testbeds and links to the DOE Centers.
- 5Expanded network, software, education, and cloud access: Reforms the quantum networking program to include multiple modalities, cloud-based software and hardware access, education/training pathways, and development of software, simulators, and applications for quantum systems via cloud resources; integration with the QUEST program for on-premises and cloud computing.
- 6Funding, oversight, and safeguards: Places funding caps (e.g., up to $175M/year 2026-2030 for the core DOE program, up to $50M/year for the instrumentation/foundry program, and higher center funding than prior levels) and imposes restrictions to prevent use of funds for entities tied to Confucius Institutes or to foreign countries/entities of concern. Requires coordination with NSF, NIST, NASA, DARPA, and other agencies to avoid duplication.
- 7Workforce development and inclusivity: Includes a traineeship program to broaden participation by underrepresented groups in QIS, with dedicated funds, and emphasizes building a domestic, skilled quantum workforce.
- 8Security and governance: Strengthens exclusions on foreign influence and ensures that research funding does not flow to restricted foreign entities, reflecting national security considerations.