Quantum information science, engineering, and technologies (QISET) have entered a second phase, moving from lab-based projects to real-world applications that are reshaping strategies and finances across the federal government and private sector. According to experts at the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), a nonprofit and nonpartisan initiative aimed at strengthening America's long-term competitiveness in artificial intelligence, this phase—known as Quantum 2.0—centers on developments in photonics, microelectronics, and specialized materials. In contrast, Quantum 1.0 fostered the development of lasers and transistors.
As the United States seeks to accelerate its quantum capabilities, SCSP has launched a limited newsletter, "Quantum States," which examines how different states and regions are leading the way. States were assessed across metrics including cited quantum information science research, patents, the volume of both 'pure play' and quantum-enabling companies, the number of military research facilities, breadth of the full quantum stack (computing, sensing, and networking), and quantum-related job openings.
California currently leads in most aspects of Quantum 2.0, including industrial capacity, talent pipelines, and market ecosystems. Other established hubs include New York, Illinois, Colorado, Maryland, and Massachusetts. Several other states are poised to become players, including Texas, North Carolina, and Florida, given their high number of PhDs awarded and the presence of quantum research centers in many of their academic institutions.
"Developing a robust ecosystem of quantum technologies is not a one-size-fits-all approach, in which local leadership is guaranteed by hosting the most companies within a region. Rather, it requires a cohesive, strategic effort leveraging strengths within that state," according to SCSP experts. They add that "the most successful quantum states build strong synergies between pillars of a quantum ecosystem: academia, NIST, national labs, startups, and private industry." Ultimately, true quantum hubs emerge where industry, academia, and government actively connect.
For Long Beach and surrounding areas, California's leadership in Quantum 2.0 signals potential opportunities in talent development, research partnerships, and business growth. As quantum technologies transition from laboratories to commercial applications, regions with strong academic and industrial bases—like Southern California—could see increased investment and job creation. The SCSP's emphasis on place-based innovation suggests that local stakeholders, from universities to startups, can play a role in shaping the quantum economy. For those interested in learning more, SCSP offers future editions of the Quantum States newsletter at https://scsp.ai.
