The United States Department of Energy (DoE) aims to develop a fully operational quantum computer for scientific calculations within three years. This was reported by Science, citing a statement from Deputy Secretary for Science, Dario Gil.
“By 2028, we will introduce the first generation of fault-tolerant quantum computers capable of performing scientifically grounded quantum calculations,” the official noted at a meeting of the SCAC.
The device will be part of a quantum complex located in one of the 10 national laboratories of the Department of Science. Gil did not provide further details.
According to Yale University 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 full fault tolerance.
With an annual budget of $8.4 billion, the DoE is the largest sponsor of physical sciences research in the United States.
As reported by Science journalists, the initiative marks a significant shift in the DoE’s approach to quantum computing. Until now, the department has avoided favoring specific technologies.
Parallel Initiatives
During the meeting, the Deputy Secretary instructed a working group to devise a strategy for how the Office of Science can support the government project on AI implementation—known as the “Genesis Mission,” signed by U.S. President Donald Trump in November 2025.
By July, SCAC is expected to provide recommendations on the necessary computing resources, task prioritization, and recruitment of key personnel.
Gil also tasked the committee with compiling a new list of potentially significant scientific facilities for funding. Currently, the DoE operates with a list of projects last updated in 2003.
The Deputy Secretary for Science insisted that the priority infrastructure align with the “Genesis Mission.” Unlike the previous list, the updated one is planned to be declassified.
Current government priorities include advanced computing research, fundamental energy, biology, ecology, thermonuclear and nuclear synthesis, as well as high-energy physics.
Back in March 2026, the Turing Award was awarded for the first time for achievements in quantum informatics to scientists Gilles Brassard and Charles Bennett.