Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox has signed Executive Order 2026-06, formally launching the Utah Quantum Initiative to establish the state as a regional and national hub for quantum research, advanced manufacturing, and commercialization. Led by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) in partnership with the Nucleus Institute, the initiative integrates quantum technology into Utah’s long-term economic development strategy and establishes a statewide Quantum Coordination Council to align policy, capital, and academic research.

The executive order aligns Utah’s regional assets with federal priorities outlined in Executive Order 14413 (Ushering in the Next Frontier of Quantum Innovation). Capitalizing on the state’s existing strengths in photonics, quantum materials, semiconductor fabrication, and high-performance computing (HPC) simulation, Utah aims to position itself as a specialized center for quantum hardware integration—including cryogenic control electronics, advanced packaging, and interconnect fabrication.

                     [ Utah Quantum Initiative Strategic Alignment ]
                                           │
     ┌─────────────────────────────────────┼─────────────────────────────────────┐
     ▼                                     ▼                                     ▼
  Hardware Integration & HPC             Defense & Testing Ecosystem           Commercial Life Sciences
  • Semiconductor & Photonics Base.      • Hill AFB & Dugway Proving Ground.   • Quantum Molecular Simulation.
  • Cryogenic Control Electronics.       • Quantum Sensing & Timing Testbeds.  • Drug Discovery Applications.
  • High-Performance Quantum Sim.        • Secure Quantum Communications.      • Biotech Enterprise Acceleration.

The initiative outlines six core strategic priorities:

  • Hardware Integration Leadership: Leveraging academic research in quantum sensing, materials, and photonics alongside Utah’s semiconductor manufacturing and HPC infrastructure to advance classical-quantum hybrid workflows.
  • Workforce Development: Collaborating with Talent Ready Utah to establish specialized career pathways, dual-degree programs, and apprenticeships designed to retain domestic quantum talent.
  • Commercialization & Life Sciences Expansion: Accelerating startup pilot programs with a focus on high-value demand sectors, such as molecular simulation and drug discovery within Utah’s biotechnology cluster.
  • Defense & National Security Integration: Utilizing defense assets—including Hill Air Force Base and Dugway Proving Ground—as proving grounds for testing and deploying quantum sensing, timing, and secure communications platforms.
  • Federal Strategy & Supply Chain Coordination: Establishing a single point of contact to capture federal research funding from the Department of Energy, National Science Foundation, Department of War, and Department of Commerce.
  • Statewide Landscape Mapping: Directing the Quantum Coordination Council to deliver a comprehensive statewide landscape report by March 30, 2027, mapping Utah’s research infrastructure, manufacturing capacity, and workforce assets.

Effective immediately through December 31, 2028, Executive Order 2026-06 provides a structured policy foundation for legislative funding recommendations ahead of the upcoming state legislative session.

Review the press release on the Utah Governor’s Office here, and read the complete official document via the Executive Order 2026-06 Portal here.

August 10, 2026

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