Trump administration announces $1B investment in AI, quantum computing

The Trump administration announced more than $1 billion in funding for new research institutes focused on artificial intelligence and quantum computing on Tuesday.

The funding will be allocated to seven National Science Foundation-led AI institutes and five Department of Energy-led quantum ones over the next five years.

“Today, the Trump Administration is making an unprecedented investment to strengthen American leadership in AI and quantum, and to ensure the Nation benefits from these emerging technologies,” Michael Kratsios, the White House’s chief technology officer, said in a statement. “Built upon the uniquely American free market approach to technological advancement, these institutes will be world-class hubs for accelerating American innovation and building the 21st century American workforce.”

The quantum computing centers will get a boost from private sector companies including IBM, Microsoft, Intel, Applied Materials and Lockheed Martin. 

“IBM is looking forward to playing an integral role, as we combine our talent, expertise, and research capabilities to accelerate progress towards the ambitious goal of achieving Quantum Advantage and the creation of a new quantum industry,” Dario Gil, IBM’s research director, said.

President Trump has frequently pushed to increase funding for both AI and quantum.

His proposed budget earlier this year included doubling nondefense AI spending from roughly $973 million to almost $2 billion. 

It also included plans to boost quantum information science research by 50 percent compared with the previous year.

There has been interest in quantum computing on Capitol Hill as well, with leaders of the Senate Commerce Committee introducing legislation in January meant to increase investments in artificial intelligence and quantum computing. 

A separate bipartisan group of lawmakers led by Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) in May introduced the Endless Frontiers Act to create a Directorate of Technology at the National Science Foundation that would be given $100 billion over five years to invest in American research and technology issues, including quantum computing.