The second phase of quantum information science, engineering, and technologies (QISET) is rapidly transitioning from lab-based research to real-world applications, influencing both federal and private sector strategies, according to experts at the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), a nonprofit and nonpartisan initiative aimed at strengthening America's long-term competitiveness in artificial intelligence. In the first phase, known as Quantum 1.0, quantum mechanics drove innovations such as lasers and transistors. Today, Quantum 2.0 focuses on photonics, microelectronics, and specialized materials. As the United States seeks to advance in quantum information science, SCSP examines the history, foundation, and future of place-based quantum innovation in a new limited newsletter, "Quantum States," which analyzes how different states and regions are leading the way.
States were assessed across metrics including cited quantum information science research, patents, the volume of both 'pure play' and quantum-enabling companies, the number of military research facilities, breadth of the full quantum stack (computing, sensing, and networking), and quantum-related job openings. "Developing a robust ecosystem of quantum technologies is not a one-size-fits-all approach, in which local leadership is guaranteed by hosting the most companies within a region. Rather, it requires a cohesive, strategic effort leveraging strengths within that state," according to SCSP experts. This finding underscores that simply attracting companies is insufficient; states must cultivate synergies across academia, national labs, startups, and private industry to build sustainable quantum hubs.
Currently, California leads in most aspects of Quantum 2.0, including industrial capacity, talent pipelines, and market ecosystems. Other established hubs include New York, Illinois, Colorado, Maryland, and Massachusetts. However, several other states are poised to become significant players, including Texas, North Carolina, and Florida, given their high number of PhDs awarded and the presence of quantum research centers in many of their academic institutions. "The most successful quantum states build strong synergies between pillars of a quantum ecosystem: academia, NIST, national labs, startups, and private industry," according to SCSP experts. Ultimately, true quantum hubs emerge where industry, academia, and government actively connect.
The implications of this analysis are profound for the New York City metro area and beyond. As Quantum 2.0 moves from theory to application, regional economies that foster integrated quantum ecosystems will likely attract investment, talent, and high-value jobs. For established hubs like New York, maintaining leadership requires continuous coordination among universities, startups, and government agencies. For emerging states, the SCSP report suggests that strategic focus on existing strengths—rather than imitation—can yield competitive advantages. The newsletter's emphasis on place-based innovation also signals to policymakers that federal quantum initiatives must account for regional disparities and leverage local assets. Moreover, the assessment metrics provide a roadmap for states to benchmark progress and identify gaps in their quantum infrastructure.
For more information and future editions of the Quantum States newsletter, visit https://scsp.ai.
