The department also plans to identify applications relevant to national security as sufficiently capable quantum computers become available. It expects uses in chemistry, materials science and physics to help develop weapons and platforms that are more effective, cost-efficient and easier to manufacture.
“Dominance in quantum information science is a critical priority for both President Trump and the Department of War,” said Emil Michael, under secretary of war for research and engineering. “Maintaining American leadership in this field is essential to preserving our technological edge, and R&E is uniquely positioned to drive the innovation needed across academia and industry.”
Four prospective quantum computing providers have advanced to Stage C of DARPA’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative. The new funding builds on more than $650 million in DARPA investments in prospective providers.
The participants will work with DARPA to verify whether their proposed utility-scale quantum computers can be built as designed and operated as intended. Each has demonstrated a development plan, assessed key risks and mitigation measures, and established prototype requirements to address those risks.
The Office of Strategic Capital’s conditional loan commitment is intended to support PsiQuantum’s advanced manufacturing and prototyping capabilities in the United States. The department said building a stronger quantum industrial base is part of maintaining U.S. technological leadership.
DARPA will begin a series of application workshops before January 2027 to bring together end users and quantum-algorithm experts. Their task will be to identify high-value uses and accelerate industrially relevant quantum advantage.
The workshops will be coordinated with the Department of Energy’s Office of Science, the National Nuclear Security Administration and the Laboratory for Physical Sciences. The broader effort will complement Energy Department quantum initiatives and related work led by the National Science Foundation and NASA.
