Celebrating 5 Years of QED-C®

Published: October 28

As we celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C), it’s a perfect moment to reflect on our journey so far, the challenges we’ve faced, and the vision that guides us into the future.

From the very beginning, QED-C has been driven by a clear mission: to enable and grow the quantum industry and its surrounding ecosystem. Initially, we held an optimistic view of the timeline for advancements, believing that products and revenue would be likely to emerge within five years. However, as we’ve progressed, it’s become clear that many meaningful advancements—particularly around quantum computing— may take longer than anticipated. This evolving timeline underscores the importance of continuing our work on benchmarking performance and addressing the specific technological challenges that lie ahead.

Significant Achievements

One of our most significant achievements over the past five years has been fostering a strong community spirit among our members. The shift to virtual meetings—necessitated by the pandemic—actually facilitated more frequent interactions, leading to fruitful collaborations and partnerships. We have intentionally worked to build a sense of belonging and shared purpose, creating connections that extend beyond individual companies. One such connection resulted in a wedding!

Challenges and Responses

While we have made strides, we acknowledge ongoing challenges, particularly in strengthening collaboration between industry, academia, and government labs. Enhancing these connections is crucial for translating academic research into practical applications. To address this, we are launching initiatives like the upcoming applications roadmap for quantum networking, aimed at bridging these gaps effectively.

Legacy and Future Vision

We continue to aspire to be a collective voice for our members, particularly for smaller companies that may lack the resources for effective advocacy and outreach. Our focus in the coming year on long-term planning will help us identify strategies that foster community growth and collaboration.

Looking ahead, we aim to improve connections with end-users of quantum technologies and enhance communication with policymakers. By addressing funding gaps through targeted investments, we believe that together we can accelerate progress in the quantum field.

Impact on the Quantum Landscape

The landscape of quantum technology has evolved significantly since QED-C’s establishment. While we’ve witnessed growth due to increased investment and an entrepreneurial spirit, we’ve also seen some consolidation among more mature companies. Despite these changes, QED-C has played a pivotal role in facilitating partnerships that demonstrate the power of our community in driving innovation.

Moving Forward Together

As we move forward, we must harness our collective expertise to identify and address the gaps that need to be filled and to influence policy and resource allocation, ensuring the continued growth and success of the quantum industry. Together, we can look forward to the exciting developments that lie ahead!

Join us as we continue to explore the vast potential of quantum technology and work together to create a thriving ecosystem for the future.