Victor Valley Times

U.S. Congressman Jay Obernolte (R-CA) introduced H.R. 2739, the Quantum Sandbox for Near-Term Applications Act on Thursday alongside co-lead Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI) and original cosponsors Rep. Randy Weber (R-TX) and Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC). The bill will help to accelerate quantum technology commercial development by creating a quantum sandbox program where government and industry can come together to develop and deploy quantum and quantum-hybrid applications for use in the near-term.

“Quantum computing is a game-changing advancement in technology. It will dramatically increase the speed at which computers can run algorithms and solve problems, enabling new opportunities to improve our supply chains, transportation networks, electrical grid, and our communication resilience,” said Rep. Obernolte. “The Quantum Sandbox for Near-Term Applications Act will help to ensure the United States remains a global leader in not only the development but also the implementation of new quantum technologies by providing a cloud-based venue for developers to produce quantum-enabled software tools from a variety of different systems for use in sectors such as telecommunications, financial services, healthcare and defense.”

“Quantum computing is identified as a critical emerging technology because it has the power to change how we view the world’s biggest economic, societal and national security issues,” said Rep. Haley Stevens. “Research has shown us that quantum computers can efficiently solve problems in the near term. I am proud to co-lead the Quantum Sandbox for Near-Term Applications Act to ensure quantum research is effectively translated into real-world applications.”

“Quantum computing has the potential to completely reshape our scientific landscape,” said Rep. Weber. “With China and Russia focusing their efforts on quantum encryption, which could allow for 100% secure communications, it is imperative that the U.S. maintain its leadership in this field. Quantum technology has the potential to improve every aspect of our lives thanks to its enhanced computing power and security. I am proud to join the Quantum Sandbox for Near-Term Applications Act to accelerate the commercial development of quantum technology.”

“Quantum computing has shown potential to be incredibly powerful and effective, and this legislation is a pivotal step to usher in a quantum-enabled future,” said Rep. Hudson. “From solving complex problems in logistics to further securing our networks to finding long-term efficiency savings, this bill brings together the most qualified folks from private industry, public government, and academia to close the gap between research and real-world application. For our national security and our economy, it’s essential for the United States to be leading this effort; we must unleash the power and benefits of the coming quantum revolution.”

Rather than store and analyze data as either zeros or ones, quantum computers operate with quantum bits, known as qubits – complex dual systems of both zero and one simultaneously, a concept derived from quantum physics. While full commercial-grade quantum computing is still years away, the development of a quantum sandbox will provide an avenue for public-private partnerships to develop quantum-enabled software tools for use by companies in a wide variety of critical sectors. According to a recent report from the Quantum Economic Development Consortium, there are over 200 identified applications for quantum computing in the electric industry alone.

The quantum sandbox program created by H.R. 2739 will promote U.S. innovation for solving critical real-world problems that impact American society and will augment the long-term basic research currently being conducted through the National Quantum Initiative (which is up for reauthorization this year).

What they’re saying:

D-Wave CEO Alan Baratz: “Today’s quantum computing technology is helping solve complex optimization problems such as global supply chain management, employee scheduling, and weather modeling. D-Wave supports the Quantum Sandbox legislation which includes a near-term application development program focused on identifying public sector challenges that could be addressed by quantum computing. We urge the U.S. government to expand its quantum programs to include application development of today’s technology.”  

Strangeworks Founder and CEO whurley: "As advocates of technological advancement, we proudly endorse the Quantum Sandbox Act, recognizing that increasing access to quantum computing technologies will expedite the development of practical, near term applications. Through continuous investment and innovation, quantum technology is positioned to revolutionize society, offering the potential to cure diseases, mitigate climate change, enhance artificial intelligence, and more. This initiative has the power to transform our future, and we are excited to support it.”

Zapata Computing CEO and Founder Christopher Savoie: “The Quantum Sandbox legislation is a step in the right direction and we’re pleased to see this introduced. We are already seeing the benefits that can come from quantum-inspired techniques to address complex business problems and, as a leading developer of Quantum AI software for enterprises, we believe that this will encourage the U.S. government and enterprises to prioritize the development of quantum computing technologies.”

Alliance for Digital Innovation Executive Director Ross Nodurft: “ADI’s mission is to accelerate government adoption of innovative commercial technologies. Cloud access of quantum computing technologies allows for the government to tap into this powerful emerging technology and a Quantum Sandbox program which promotes quantum and quantum-hybrid application development to solve public sector problems will fast-track the implementation of this important technology.”

Issues: Technology

Original source can be found here.