Quantum technology industry

AN ACT Relating to developing the quantum technology industry 1
into the state's economic development and workforce; creating new 2
sections; and providing an expiration date. 3
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:4
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that quantum 5
technology has the potential to revolutionize traditional industries, 6
with implications for society in terms of health care, climate 7
change, energy, and security. Quantum technologies use the properties 8
identified by quantum physics to provide new capabilities in a 9
variety of applications, including computing, networking, 10
communications, and sensing.11
The legislature further finds that the quantum technology 12
industry is expected to create trillions of dollars of value over the 13
next decade, and that policymakers worldwide are investing in quantum 14
technology to ensure their participation in a future quantum economy. 15
As economic competition grows and businesses choose locations based 16
on each state's investment, Washington has limited time to leverage 17
its technological and scientific assets to lead the next generation 18
and drive new economic growth in the quantum technology industry.19
The legislature further finds that in 2024 and 2025, California 20
invested $4,000,000 in quantum research and innovation, Colorado has 21
H-2801.1
HOUSE BILL 2368
State of Washington 69th Legislature 2026 Regular Session
By Representatives Barnard, Ryu, Reed, Zahn, Thomas, Shavers,
Salahuddin, Hill, and Thai
Prefiled 01/09/26. Read first time 01/12/26. Referred to Committee
on Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans.
p. 1 HB 2368
received $40,500,000 in federal grants and over $1,000,000,000 in 1
private funding to build a quantum ecosystem, Illinois allocated 2
$500,000,000 to build a national quantum hub and infrastructure to 3
attract quantum companies, and North Carolina has received 4
$10,000,000 to research hybrid quantum computing processors.5
Therefore, to promote economic development and the next 6
generation workforce, the legislature finds that the development of a 7
state quantum strategy is necessary to ensure Washington remains 8
competitive in the quantum technology industry. A state strategy 9
should identify how state funds can promote economic growth, identify 10
opportunities for public-private partnerships, and require private 11
donations to be used to obtain additional grants and develop 12
partnerships to accelerate the state's quantum technology industry.13
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. (1) The department shall develop a state 14
quantum technology strategy.15
(2) The state quantum technology strategy must include, but is 16
not limited to: 17
(a) An overview of the current state of the quantum technology 18
industry, its projected growth over the next decade, and specific 19
strategies that would lead to increased jobs and capital investments 20
in the state; 21
(b) Identification of projects and programs that will most 22
quickly improve the economic vitality of the quantum technology 23
industry; 24
(c) Identification of the types of public-private partnerships 25
involving government, academia, private investors, and a regional 26
organization of companies, universities, national labs, and business 27
organizations that will provide critical funding and partnerships to 28
accelerate the quantum technology industry; 29
(d) Analysis of state policies that will provide opportunities to 30
grow the quantum technology industry, including consideration of 31
regulatory reforms, tax and financial supports, and education and 32
workforce programs; 33
(e) Exploration of quantum application research in specific 34
industry areas, such as nuclear physics, energy and renewables, 35
materials science, and chemistry; 36
(f) Identification of research and development opportunities with 37
Washington-based research institutions including public universities, 38
a regional organization of companies, universities, national labs, 39
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and business organizations, and the Pacific Northwest national 1
laboratory; 2
(g) Partnerships with industry and a regional organization of 3
companies, universities, national labs, and business organizations to 4
develop plans to attract federal investment; and 5
(h) Identification of the anticipated impacts of a robust quantum 6
technology industry in the state, including overall economic 7
opportunities and workforce development. 8
(3) The department may contract with a Washington state-based 9
quantum computing manufacturing entity or a regional organization of 10
companies, universities, national labs, and business organizations to 11
assist with the obligations under this section. 12
(4) Consistent with the department's authority under RCW 13
43.330.040, the department shall seek gifts, grants, and other 14
contributions from nonstate sources to carry out the purposes of this 15
section. 16
(5) The state quantum computing strategy must be submitted to the 17
legislature by June 30, 2026, in compliance with RCW 43.01.036.18
(6) This section expires August 1, 2027. 19
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p. 3 HB 2368