(October 23, 2023) The National Science Foundation (NSF) recently announced several new opportunities to facilitate international collaboration in Quantum Information Science (QIS), with mechanisms for joint or supplemental funding. Opportunities to apply for joint funding from NSF and partnering organizations are described in the announcements listed below (in reverse chronological order). Also highlighted here are some opportunities to apply for supplemental funding to initiate or enhance an international aspect of an ongoing QIS project funded by NSF. These examples of NSF Dear Colleague Letters encourage international collaboration in QIS in alignment with principles articulated in several bilateral quantum cooperation statements, and consistent with the NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG).

(October 11, 2023) The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has released a Notice of Special Interest (NOSI) on Quantum Sensing in Biomedical Applications (SBIR/STTR). This NOSI encourages Phase I, Fast-Track and Direct to Phase II SBIR, as well as Phase I and Fast-Track STTR grant applications from Small Business Concerns to develop commercializable tools, resources, and approaches that harness new quantum sensing approaches to solve biomedical research questions with application in areas of preventing, monitoring and diagnosing disease. The overarching goal is to bring quantum mechanics -based sensing applications from the lab to the biomedical market and clinic. To be responsive to this NOSI, a project must focus on a relevant biomedical problem that falls within the mission of one of the participating Institutes or Centers.  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact NIH Scientific/Research staff and participating NIH Institutes/Centers prior to preparing an application.

(September 13, 2023) Last year, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) selected four algorithms designed to withstand attack by quantum computers. Now the agency has begun the process of standardizing these algorithms — the final step before making these mathematical tools available so that organizations around the world can integrate them into their encryption infrastructure.

(August 31, 2023) On August 29, 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced $24 million in funding for three collaborative projects in quantum network research.

(August 25, 2023) On August 9, 2023, President Biden signed an Executive Order on Addressing United States Investments in Certain National Security Technologies and Products in Countries of Concern. It declared a national emergency to address United States investments in countries of concern in sectors including semiconductors and microelectronics, quantum information technologies, and artificial intelligence capabilities. The Secretary of the Treasury—in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce and other agency heads, as appropriate—will issue regulations that require certain transactions be reported or prohibited.

(August 24, 2023) Eighteen new projects are part of the National Science Foundation’s strategy to realize the scientific and technological advances called for in the National Science and Technology Council report, Bringing Quantum Sensors to Fruition, and the National Quantum Initiative Act.