President Trump’s quantum push to elevate Chicago for potential federal contracts with NASA

The federal government elevated quantum technology to a national priority this week, with Chicago positioned as a critical player in the emerging quantum innovation ecosystem. According to the White House, President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14413 on Monday, June 22, directing agencies to accelerate quantum computing, sensing, and networking development across the United States. 

The order aims to deliver transformational quantum capabilities that will drive economic growth, create high-paying jobs, and strengthen national security.

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Goals and timeline for quantum deployment

The quantum initiative includes clear goals: develop a scientifically relevant quantum computer for research, deploy quantum sensors and networks within five years, and foster a skilled quantum workforce, per the Chicago Business Journal. 

According to Reuters, officials, including Michael Kratsios of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, stated such a computer could be operational by 2028. The order also mandates a nationwide migration to post-quantum cryptography (PQC) by 2030–2031 to protect critical infrastructure from future quantum-enabled cyberattacks.

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Chicago’s Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park (IQMP) is already attracting major firms like PsiQuantum, IBM, and Infleqtion, the Chicago Business Journal confirmed. Infleqtion CTO Pranav Gokhale, based in Chicago, said the federal push “has been a big step up in the level of support and enthusiasm for quantum,” per the report. He added, “Illinois seems to be prepared to win its disproportionate share of these federal contracts,” citing new interest from NASA, Commerce, and the Department of War.

The initiative also updates the National Quantum Strategy within 180 days, promoting commercialization and partnerships with U.S. industry, the White House confirmed. As the U.S. seeks to maintain leadership over China in this critical field, Chicago stands ready to lead the next frontier of quantum technology.