DOE Released New Quantum Computing Roadmap
The Department of Energy outlined a three-phase plan to achieve fault-tolerant quantum computing by 2028.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Quantum Computing
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The Department of Energy Office of Science Advisory Committee has unveiled a multi-phase roadmap designed to accelerate the development of quantum computers for scientific research. This strategic plan targets the demonstration of an error-corrected, fault-tolerant system within the next two years.
Why it matters
The initiative aims to harness quantum technology to solve complex scientific problems, such as discovering new fusion materials and catalysts, that remain intractable for current classical computing methods.
The roadmap details a three-phase framework featuring multidisciplinary challenges and an open collaborative user facility. It allocates $320 million across 217 university and industry projects to support this transition.
The players
Dario Gil
He serves as the under secretary for science at the Department of Energy and recently highlighted the new roadmap.
Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
This national laboratory partnered with Microsoft Quantum to develop a new hardware makerspace in Maryland.
Microsoft Quantum
The division focuses on developing scalable quantum computing solutions and collaborated on a new Maryland facility.
Department of Energy Office of Science Advisory Committee
This body developed the three-phase roadmap to guide national efforts in quantum research.
The details
The committee synthesized findings from stakeholder interviews, written submissions, and a virtual town hall to identify six core areas for progress. The program is supported by the $215 million Quantum Genesis Q Competition and a new hardware makerspace in Maryland established by the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and Microsoft Quantum.
Timeline
June 2026: The Department of Energy launched the Quantum Genesis initiative.
September 17, 2026: Under Secretary Dario Gil published a blog post discussing the new report.
2026 to 2028: The implementation phase for the Quantum Grand Challenges is underway.
2028: The department targets the demonstration of an error-corrected quantum computer.
2030 and beyond: The agency envisions the final phase of the integrated quantum future.
The Tech Race
This roadmap formalizes the strategic long-term goals for the research already being funded under the existing Department of Energy's Quantum Genesis initiative. It represents a shift from foundational investment toward targeted, milestone-based engineering to achieve fault-tolerant systems.
While the current initiative targets high-level scientific research, the development of error-corrected quantum computers will eventually enable advancements in drug development and material science. These breakthroughs could accelerate the availability of new medicines and more efficient industrial catalysts.
The takeaway
The United States is focusing on a structured, milestone-driven approach to overcome the current limitations of quantum systems. This roadmap provides a clear timeline for researchers and industry partners aiming to deliver functional, error-corrected hardware by 2028.
Further reading
For more information on national efforts in the field, explore the Quantum Computing section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Executive Gov.
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