Quantum computing leaders push to make Texas the field’s “center of gravity”

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Business leaders in quantum computing made the case Tuesday for investing in the technology, discussing its potential to boost economic growth in Texas and turn the state into the growing industry’s epicenter.

“These things are happening now, with or without us, on their own,” said William Hurley, CEO and founder of the Austin-based startup Strangeworks. “We have to do something and we have to do something now.”

Hurley and Philip Farah, vice president of sales at the quantum computing company IonQ, outlined how Texas could become a major player in the field in a conversation with Texas Tribune editor-in-chief Matthew Watkins.

Quantum computers are exponentially more powerful than their traditional counterparts and can be used to solve more complex problems. Proponents say quantum computing can improve cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and the development of life-saving drugs, among other potential benefits.

“When you think about quantum computers coming into general purpose and mass scale, you’re talking about a revolution bigger than the internet, AI or any of these things,” Hurley said.

Quantum computing could be valued at nearly $1.3 trillion by 2035, according to a McKinsey & Company report from last August. Enthusiasm for quantum technology and its capabilities has driven nations worldwide to invest billions of dollars into it, including more than $15 billion by China and $3.8 billion by the United States.

Hurley and Farah said Tuesday that Texas is behind the curve when it comes to quantum computing investments compared to other states. Last month, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announced $1 billion worth of investments in quantum technology to “make Maryland the quantum capital of the world.” Work is underway on a national center for quantum computing in Chicago that would draw from state and private funds.

“We would love to see Texas have the largest quantum network, which is a super secure, unbreakable communications network that exists at scale in the state,” said Farah.

He added that his Maryland-based company would be open to coming to Texas. IonQ’s CFO said the company was considering leaving Maryland, the Washington Business Journal reported in late January.

While Texas’ investments in semiconductors in recent years are a positive step, Farah said the state needs to do more to attract quantum computing talent and companies. The state should find ways to incentivize quantum startups and university programs, which could help make Texas the “center of gravity” for the new technology and draw other companies in the process. Taking action three years from now will be too late, Farah added — the state needs to take action now.

Further investment into quantum computing isn’t just necessary to compete with other states, Hurley said. It will also help Texas draw quantum talent that would otherwise be recruited to work in other countries, like China. Coordinated quantum computing programs between Texas’ universities would be a “huge advantage,” Hurley said.

“Put a stake in the ground and say, ‘We’re going to invest in this and we’re going to invest it by this time or this period of time,’” Hurley said of the state Legislature. “But make sure it just permeates throughout our ecosystem in Texas.”

Hurley added that education on quantum computing shouldn’t be limited to the university level. He said the state should also consider finding ways to teach school-aged children about the opportunities in the field.

Back in 2018, Hurley co-authored the book “Quantum Computing for Babies,” a picture book about how quantum computing compares to traditional computing. By teaching young kids about quantum computing, Hurley said they’ll be better prepared and informed about the next steps in computing.

“It’s just moving so fast and I don’t want to see us fall behind,” Hurley said. “I have no intention of moving out of Texas so we have to do it here.”

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