The acceleration of quantum computing from a theoretical to a functional reality is beginning to feel as fast as supercomputers themselves. This rapid pace of advancement brings a new urgency to preparedness. Agencies across all levels of government, as well as government-adjacent commercial organizations, are preparing for both the opportunities and risks introduced by a post-quantum world.
Federal
The 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes 11 amendments related to quantum computing preparedness. The focus areas of these amendments include:
- Mandating defense-specific strategy for quantum readiness.
- Accelerating the implementation of quantum information science (QIS) technologies across Department of Defense (DoD) operations and missions.
- Cultivating a workforce that is fluent in quantum physics-powered systems.
- Examining the risk of quantum computing to GPS systems while also exploring how quantum sensor-enabled GPS technologies can be leveraged in department operations.
- Establishing a Quantum Capabilities and Competition Office within the DoD to coordinate, lead, and direct the Department's quantum technology efforts.
- Creating a Quantum Communications Corridor to serve as a network that connects certain defense installations, national laboratories, and universities working on DoD research.
- Identifying what technologies that leverage quantum computing can be exploited by remote systems and could enable "offensive cyber operations."
Outside of the DoD, many civilian agencies are also prioritizing quantum development and preparedness. Recently, the Department of Energy established a new quantum computing installation at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to explore how to merge quantum information technologies with classical computing systems to spark large gains in computational power. Beyond this implementation, ORNL is one of the national labs focused on innovating in the realm of quantum sciences and technology.
State and Local
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore recently announced the state will open a new quantum research center as part of its broader push to embrace that technology. Maryland is one of many states looking to differentiate themselves as leaders on quantum technology research and infrastructure. Moore has been pushing advancement through the "Capital of Quantum" Initiative, which is a public-private partnership between the state, the University of Maryland, and the private sector, backed by a million investment from the state's FY 2026 budget.
Nearby Fairfax County, VA has also staked a claim as a quantum leader, working in coordination with neighboring counties in Virginia and Maryland as well as the District of Columbia. The county spent the past three years hosting the Quantum World Congress, bringing together government leaders, researchers, academics, and the private sector to share quantum advances, hopes for the future, and discussions of the challenges ahead.
Commercial
An electric utility in Chattanooga, TN has partnered with Tennessee-based ORNL to develop hybrid computing capabilities at the forthcoming EPB Quantum Center. There, classical supercomputing will coexist alongside cutting-edge, commercially available quantum technology platforms. Using this setup, the city's utility and the quantum company IonQ will look for ways to optimize power grids and build best practices for enhancing power distribution across the U.S.
To stay up to speed on quantum development, check out these resources:
- Gartner IT Infrastructure, Operations & Cloud Strategies Conference 2025 (December 9-11, 2025; Las Vegas, NV) - Your organization's future relies on agility, resilience, and innovation--while staying secure and efficient. As the skills gap grows, lead your team in adopting AI, mastering cloud cost optimization, and building resilient, secure, sustainable infrastructure.
- IT Modernization Summit (December 11, 2025; virtual) - Technology leaders from across higher education, as well as state and local governments, will explore the ongoing challenges they face while embracing IT modernization and digital transformation. Leaders will gather to discuss improving digital services, modernizing technology, embracing change, and developing a workforce to support future-ready growth.
- South Africa's Quantum Technology Initiative (January 27, 2025; webcast) - The South African Quantum Technology Initiative (SA QUTI) is a national initiative funded by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI). Its goal is to create the conditions for a globally competitive research environment in quantum technology and foster the growth of a local quantum technology industry in South Africa.
- Government Readiness for Quantum Computing and PQC (white paper) - Agencies are exploring how quantum can optimize logistics, enhance defense readiness, and secure communications while also confronting the urgent need for post-quantum cryptography (PQC). Building readiness today means combining Zero Trust, crypto-agility, and cross-agency collaboration to ensure resilience in a quantum-enabled world.
- Quantum Computing (white paper) - Quantum computers have the potential to revolutionize science and industry--but they also pose a serious threat to the cryptographic systems that protect our nation's sensitive data. This GAO testimony highlights how a coordinated federal strategy is urgently needed to address this looming cyber risk.
- Demystifying the Capabilities of Quantum Technologies Available Today and in the Future (white paper) - Quantum technologies are pushing the boundaries of what's possible, from computing to sensing and networking. Governments and industries worldwide are investing heavily in these advancements, recognizing their potential to transform everything from cybersecurity to medical research. As these technologies continue to evolve, understanding their capabilities today can help organizations prepare for the quantum-driven future.
For more on the future uses of quantum computing in government, search GovEvents and GovWhitePapers.
