Quantum Sandbox for Near-Term Applications Act of 2023

To amend the National Quantum Initiative Act to establish a public-private partnership for near-term quantum application development and acceleration, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Quantum Sandbox for Near-Term Applications Act of 2023 2. Findings Congress finds as follows: (1) The National Quantum Initiative and its ongoing activities explore and promote Quantum Information Science. (2) Continual innovation by the quantum industry of the United States is critically important. (3) Quantum and quantum-hybrid applications have the ability to provide innovative solutions for near-term use cases across a variety of public and private sector challenges. (4) Many quantum computers are available via the cloud and through a dedicated near-term quantum application acceleration program that is inclusive of the wide variety of quantum computing technologies will break down barriers to access quantum computing hardware systems. (5) Business and consumers of the United States will be able to see benefits of the innovation through a program focusing on near-term use of the technology. (6) Quantum information science is a foundational technology that is transforming the economy of the 21st century. (7) Robust leadership in quantum research and near-term development will have a great impact on the economic security of the United States. (8) Unrivaled excellence in workforce development is key in developing next generation leaders in quantum applications. 3. Public-private partnership for quantum application development acceleration (a) In general Title IV of the National Quantum Initiative Act ( 15 U.S.C. 8851 et seq. 405. Public-private partnership for quantum application development acceleration (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Quantum applications The term quantum applications (2) Quantum sandbox The term quantum sandbox (A) for innovation and development of applications using quantum information sciences with a focus on near-term use cases; and (B) that can be used to develop and test demonstrations, proofs of concepts, and pilot applications. (3) Near-term use case The term near-term use case (b) Establishment of quantum sandbox required The Secretary of Commerce shall, in coordination with the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, establish a quantum sandbox through the establishment of a public-private partnership focused on quantum application development acceleration for quantum application near-term use cases. (c) Engagement As part of the Program and in carrying out subsection (b), the Secretary shall, acting through the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, engage with the Quantum Economic Development Consortium, the National Laboratories (as defined in section 2 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 ( 42 U.S.C. 15801 . (b) Clerical amendment The table of contents in section 1(b) of such Act is amended by adding after the item relating to section 404 the following new item: Sec. 405. Public-private partnership for quantum application development acceleration. .

Summary: Quantum Sandbox for Near-Term Applications Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Commerce, in coordination with the National Institute of Standards and Technology, to establish a public-private partnership to accelerate the deployment of quantum applications and algorithms with near-term use cases by supporting demonstration and testing.