Key to Funding Is Focus on Near-Term Quantum Tech Applications, Says Johns Hopkins’ Physics Lab Program Manager

(TheBusinessofFederalTechnology) Joan Hoffman, a program manager at Johns Hopkins University’s Applied Physics Lab, warns that focusing too much on the hypothetical could ultimately hinder quantum tech’s development. Hoffman believes the key to maintaining interest from lawmakers and other investors will be identifying some near-term applications that will be compelling.
Because it’s still early days for these emerging technologies, government has a unique opportunity to make inroads. Despite limited federal funding to date, industry has begun investing in quantum development and other emerging technologies.
For some time, academics have cited the need for advancements in quantum computing on a national level, and recently, Congress and the White House took initial action. The National Quantum Initiative Act, passed in December, called for a $1.2 billion jumpstart over 10 years to fuel quantum research. Hoffman, also a member of Defense Science Board Task Force on Applications of Quantum Technologies, noted, the initiative “has not been funded yet.”T he White House’s fiscal year 2020 budget does specifically carve out funds for research in the quantum and AI fields.