The U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) aims to develop a fully operational quantum computer for scientific computing within three years. This was reported by Science, citing a statement from Deputy Science Secretary Dario Gil.
“By 2028, we will present the first generation of fault-tolerant quantum computers capable of performing scientifically valid quantum computations,” the official noted during a SCAC meeting.
The device will be part of a quantum complex located at one of the ten national laboratories of the Department of Energy. Gil did not provide further details.
According to Yale physicist Steven Girvin, three years is “a very optimistic but worthy goal.” He explained that researchers have made significant progress in error correction in quantum computing, but they are still far from achieving full fault tolerance.
With an annual budget of $8.4 billion, the DoE is the largest sponsor of physical sciences research in the U.S.
As reported by Science journalists, this initiative marks a significant shift in the DoE's approach to quantum computing. Until now, the agency has avoided favoring specific technologies.
Parallel Initiatives
During the meeting, the deputy secretary tasked a working group with developing a strategy for how the Office of Science can support the government project for AI implementation—known as the “Genesis Mission,” signed by President Donald Trump in November 2025.
By July, SCAC is expected to provide recommendations on necessary computing resources, task prioritization, and a set of key personnel.
Gil also instructed the committee to compile a fresh list of potentially significant scientific projects for funding. Currently, the DoE is working with a list of projects that was last updated in 2003.
The deputy science secretary insisted that the priority infrastructure align with the “Genesis Mission.” Unlike the previous list, the updated one is planned to be declassified.
Current significant government priorities include advanced computing research, fundamental energy research, biology, ecology, nuclear fusion, and high-energy physics.
As a reminder, in March 2026, the Turing Award was awarded for the first time for achievements in quantum informatics. The recipients were scientists Gilles Brassard and Charles Bennett.