Washington faces a quantum paradox: despite possessing key ingredients – including tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon, the hardware leader IonQ, and world-class research at UW and PNNL – it risks falling behind states actively advancing quantum technology. Experts emphasize the need for a faster strategy and targeted investment to bolster the region’s quantum ecosystem.
Panelists at a recent Tech Alliance event in Seattle highlighted the urgency. Representative Stephanie Barnard advocated for a $100 million injection, stating, “It takes courage. It takes dynamic leadership. It takes a political will to recognize the needs of this state.” However, budgetary constraints pose a significant challenge, with Beau Perschbacher, policy advisor to Governor Bob Ferguson, noting that substantial new investments are currently “very hard” to secure.
States like Illinois – with Governor J.B. Pritzker earmarking $500 million – and Colorado are aggressively pursuing quantum strategy and workforce investment. Suggestions include shifting priorities away from established industry subsidies and exploring options such as a $300 million investment in quantum research over 10 years.
University of Washington professor Charles Marcus emphasized the importance of a focused approach, stating, “Quantum researchers will ‘go to where the funding is and where the environment favors success.’” He called for industry support of a dedicated master’s program to generate a skilled workforce. Marcus described the quantum race as one “in which, if you’re standing still, you’re going backwards.”
Laura Ruderman, CEO of Tech Alliance, suggested scaling existing efforts rather than initiating new initiatives. She referenced the Northwest Quantum Nexus (NQN), founded in 2019 by UW, Microsoft, and PNNL. IonQ CMO Margaret Arakawa urged leaders to publicly prioritize quantum and engage private funding partners, pointing to states with visible leadership in the field.