Department of Energy
The Department of Energy (DOE) is advancing quantum computing in support of the President’s Executive Order on quantum innovation. Through the Quantum Genesis initiative, DOE is working toward fault-tolerant quantum computers that can address scientific problems beyond the reach of conventional classical systems. DOE’s Blueprint for Quantum Supercomputing describes the scientific opportunities and capabilities needed, while the Quantum Genesis Q Competition advances system development and demonstration.
Key activities
Quantum Genesis
Announced in June 2026, the Quantum Genesis initiative establishes DOE’s broad effort to develop and deploy the world’s first fault-tolerant, scientifically relevant quantum computing capability for research and development by 2028. It brings together the Q Competition, plans for a National Quantum Supercomputing User Facility, and targeted research to identify and implement high-impact scientific applications. Quantum Genesis will strengthen U.S. competitiveness, drive breakthroughs that classical computing systems cannot achieve, and ensure that America remains a leader in the coming quantum revolution. The Quantum Genesis effort will serve as a foundational element of the broader Genesis Mission, designed to usher in a new era of computational power for the Nation to accelerate scientific discovery and innovation.
Blueprint for DOE Quantum Supercomputing
The blueprint identifies fault-tolerant quantum computers (FTQCs) as a viable, scalable, and broadly applicable path to achieving “quantum scientific utility,” defined as solving scientifically valuable problems beyond the reach of conventional, classical computers. It outlines a strategy for preparing DOE for FTQCs and their integration into the U.S. national scientific computing infrastructure, identifying research directions necessary for DOE to enable initial deployment of FTQCs in 2028 as a scientific tool for the Nation and mature this capability into the 2030s. It calls out opportunities in areas such as materials science, quantum chemistry, and high-energy and nuclear physics, alongside the advances in algorithms, systems, facilities, and workforce needed to pursue them. The blueprint provides a scientific and technical foundation for DOE’s continuing efforts to advance quantum computing for the benefit of the United States.
Quantum Genesis Q Competition
Officially launched in September 2026, the competition provides up to $215 million in initial planned funding to demonstrate the world’s first fault-tolerant scientifically relevant quantum computers. Applicants are invited to submit proposals to deploy quantum computers with at least 100 logical qubits that are capable of performing hundreds of millions fault-tolerant operations and scientific demonstration programs. It builds on recommendations of the Blueprint for DOE Quantum Supercomputing and a September 2026 DOE Science Advisory Committee report. Applications are open to private-sector companies. In addition, DOE announced a complementary supporting infrastructure effort, the Quantum High-Performance Computing Validation and Verification Testbed Lab Call, which will draw on the expertise of DOE’s National Laboratories to develop tools to characterize and validate every layer of the computing stack—from physical hardware and quantum gates to logical architectures, quantum algorithms and applications, and classical control systems–capabilities that will be essential for the Q Competition. Applications are open to DOE National Laboratories, with total planned funding of $45 million.
National Quantum Information Science Research Centers (NQISRCs)
Launched in 2020 and renewed in 2026, the DOE NQISRCs push the frontier of what’s possible in quantum computing, communication, sensing, and materials. These Centers supports fundamental science with disruptive potential across quantum computing, simulation, networking, and sensing; develops unique tools, equipment, and instrumentation that unlock transformative new QIS capabilities; advance quantum technology through application to DOE’s most pressing scientific and national security challenge areas; and establishes community resources, workforce opportunities, and industry partnerships to strengthen the entire QIS ecosystem. Each center is led by a national laboratory and tackles major challenges in QIS using complementary and co-design approaches to advance quantum computers, sensors, devices, materials, and applications.
Latest updates
DOE informational webinar for potential Quantum Genesis Q Competition applicants
DOE will hold a virtual informational webinar for potential Quantum Genesis Q Competition applicants on September 25, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Final applications for the competition are due by October 19, 2026.
Read the Q Competition RFA webinar information and registration page