Quantum at Scale: DOE’s Vision for National Infrastructure
“We are in the business of commercialization. We want it crystal clear that our goal is to move technologies into application, scaling, and the market.”
In a focused QWC plenary, the U.S. Department of Energy outlined how quantum moves from pilot projects to national-scale infrastructure. Rima Oueid detailed DOE’s shift from technology transition to technology commercialization, while Paul Stimers framed the broader pivot to “Phase II” of the National Quantum Initiative—applications, use cases, and deployment.
DOE’s commercialization pivot
Oueid said DOE’s office is renaming to emphasize its mission: commercialization. Beyond prizes and cash awards, the team is expanding industry access to national labs (expertise, facilities, licensing) through the Lab Partnering Service and tightening coordination across programs. She noted that DOE has consolidated SBIR/STTR to drive not only Phase I–II awards but to unlock Phase III paths across the federal family—aimed squarely at getting real products into real markets.
From NQI Phase I to Phase II
Stimers recapped the Quantum Industry Coalition’s role in the National Quantum Initiative (2018), which stood up QIS Centers and a robust basic research base. With reauthorization on deck, Oueid said Phase II priorities are clear: build applications and use cases, license IP, and deploy—turning a strong research foundation into mission impact.
Grid testbeds and a “quantum sandbox”
To evaluate near-term feasibility, DOE created a quantum sandbox within the Grid Modernization Initiative. Led from Oak Ridge with participation from other national labs, the program is standing up a testbed on actual energy infrastructure to gather empirical data across sensing, computing, and communications—including algorithm development where NISQ-era approaches may offer value for energy heuristics.
Space × quantum: new partners and near-term use cases
Oueid announced an expansion of DOE’s space-quantum collaboration—adding Honeywell, IonQ, and EPB Chattanooga—to advance free-space/satellite-to-ground quantum communications and related capabilities. The coalition, working with NASA and DoD, is targeting a secure space economy and exploring microgravity-enabled materials and components for quantum devices. Additional partners referenced included Axiom Space, Infleqtion, Accenture, Boeing, Vescent, Crypt (Los Alamos-licensed QRNG), and Nebula (shielding). The thrust: space benefits from quantum (security, networking), and quantum benefits from space (novel materials and manufacturing).
How to engage—and what DOE needs to hear
Oueid encouraged companies to connect via the Lab Partnering Service, DOE events, and DOE’s newly established foundation supporting commercialization efforts. She underscored the importance of clear ROI and problem statements from industry and agencies: DOE’s leadership is supportive, and the more concrete the demand signals, the faster the path to scalable deployment in service of energy security and prosperity.
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