By: Fred Qui, Christina Willis, and Glenn Kesselman
On June 29, 2026, NIST announced a $20 million agreement with SRI International to establish the Quantum Manufacturing Engineering Center (QMEC). The Center will focus on developing scalable manufacturing capabilities for quantum-enabling technologies, including cryostats and lasers useful across multiple quantum technology platforms. NIST stated that the Center supports implementation of Executive Order 14413 by strengthening domestic quantum manufacturing capabilities and accelerating commercialization of quantum technologies. The announcement also builds upon the longstanding partnership between NIST and SRI International that established the Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C), reflecting continued federal investment in the infrastructure needed to support a growing domestic quantum industry.
On July 8, 2026, the National Science Foundation (NSF) issued Dear Colleague Letter 26-022 providing advance notice of a forthcoming research security policy applicable to NSF financial assistance awards. Beginning in FY2027, NSF plans to prohibit senior and key personnel from holding appointments with, receiving research support from, or participating in collaborations involving certain “Restricted Entities.” Proposal submissions will also require certifications from both senior and key personnel and authorized organizational representatives regarding compliance with the new requirements. NSF states the change will align its approach with the Department of War’s treatment of restricted-party collaborations, promoting consistency across agencies and reducing administrative burden on the research community. Given NSF’s significant role in funding quantum information science research, the policy could impact university-industry partnerships and international research collaborations.
On July 21, 2026, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Michael Kratsios released Science: A New Golden Age, a report outlining the Administration’s strategy for strengthening the U.S. research enterprise. Accompanying the report, OSTP Director Michael Kratsios and OMB Director Russ Vought jointly issued the Fiscal Year 2028 R&D Priorities Memorandum, identifying quantum information science and technology as a priority area for foundational federal research investment and directing agencies to incorporate that priority into their FY2028 budget requests. The report also identifies quantum as one of five national, mission-driven science initiatives and directs agencies to submit implementation plans within 90 days. The report reinforces the Administration’s continued prioritization of quantum technology as a strategic area for long-term federal investment and coordination.
On July 7, 2026, the White House convened a Quantum Industry Summit bringing together senior administration officials and representatives from leading U.S. quantum companies to discuss implementation of the Administration’s quantum agenda following the June executive orders. Although the meeting did not result in formal policy announcements, it provided insight into the Administration’s priorities as it begins implementation of its quantum strategy. According to The Quantum Insider, discussions included a goal of achieving a scientifically useful quantum computer by 2028, using the federal government as an early customer to accelerate commercialization, and developing a faster procurement model for quantum sensing technologies.
On July 20, 2026, President Trump signed Executive Order 14415, Securing America’s Defense Supply Chains and Ensuring Domestic Acquisition of Critical Materials. The Executive Order directs the Department of War to strengthen domestic sourcing requirements for critical materials and components used in defense acquisitions. Among other actions, the Order limits the use of certain statutory waivers, requires contractors to develop more comprehensive supply-chain mapping and bills of materials, and directs agencies to qualify alternative suppliers where supply-chain risks are identified. Although the Executive Order does not specifically address quantum technologies, the new requirements may affect companies supplying quantum hardware or quantum-enabling technologies to the Department of War, particularly where products rely on specialized materials or foreign-sourced components.