The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced Quantum Genesis, an ambitious initiative to build and deploy the world’s first scientifically relevant, fault-tolerant quantum computer by 2028.
Operating under the broader AI and supercomputing-focused Genesis Mission, the program aims to integrate advanced quantum processors directly with the nation’s leading supercomputing ecosystems. The initiative directly follows a pair of quantum-focused Executive Orders, including Ushering the Next Frontier of Quantum Innovation, which mandate accelerated American leadership in quantum information science (QIS) and establish the Quantum Computer for Application Development and Discovery Science (QC-ADDS) effort. In May, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued a formal Request for Information (RFI) to identify companies capable of deploying a scientifically relevant Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computing (FTQC) system by 2028. The inputs received from this RFI will support the overarching principles of the QC-ADDS initiative.
Key Strategic Pillars
- The DOE Q Competition: A milestone-driven hardware competition targeting systems with 150 to 250 logical qubits by 2028. These systems must execute complex circuits 105 hard operations) with an ultra-low logical error rate of 10-8.
- Targeted Application R&D: Focused co-design research to tailor quantum hardware for breakthroughs in chemistry, materials science, plasma physics, and high-energy physics.
- National Quantum Supercomputing User Facility: A new hub providing open access to diverse quantum hardware modalities for U.S. researchers across academia and industry.
Upcoming Milestones
- September 2026: Deadline for the DOE to finalize exact technical specifications for the new systems.
- December 2026: Deadline for the DOE and OMB to establish private-sector partnership frameworks to outline manufacturing and delivery pipelines.
The initiative scales up decades of foundational research across the DOE’s National Laboratories to secure American leadership in the quantum era. To help support this program, the DOE will continue its close collaboration with DARPA, which is currently running a Quantum Benchmarking Initiative. The DOE and DARPA have an MOU to coordinate efforts on quantum computing. This MOU established a framework for planning and coordinating future research, development, engineering, and test and evaluation activities related to quantum computing.
June 24, 2026
