🇨🇳 Case Study: China – National Quantum Push through Public-Private Partnership

Fund Title:
National Venture Capital Guidance Fund

Country:
China

Funding Size:
¥1 trillion (~$138 billion USD)

Funders & Stakeholders:

• Chinese Central Government
• National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC)
• Leading tech firms (e.g., Baidu, Alibaba)
• Academic institutions (e.g., University of Science and Technology of China – USTC)
• Venture capital actors in PPP format

Mission:
To establish global leadership in frontier technologies through long-term, high-risk investments in quantum computing, AI, semiconductors, and renewables.

Vision:
Achieve strategic self-reliance and global competitiveness in deep tech, while reshaping China’s industrial base and boosting national economic growth through innovation.

Key Points:

• Structured as a public-private partnership, this fund enables co-investment into long-term R&D and commercialization.
• Focus areas include quantum computing, AI, hydrogen energy, and semiconductors—supporting dual-use technologies.
• China is building quantum communication networks and satellite-based quantum systems (e.g., Jiuzhang photonic processor, Zuchongzhi 3.0).
• Quantum tasks previously impossible for supercomputers are now demonstrable, pushing global benchmarks.
• Part of China’s broader 5-year innovation plan, aimed at reducing dependency on Western technologies and stimulating tech-driven economic growth.

Comparative Scale:
China’s new fund dwarfs current Western efforts (e.g., US: $1.2B over 5 years; EU Quantum Flagship: €1B over 10 years).

🇺🇸 Case Study: United States – Quantum in Space Collaboration

Initiative Title:
Quantum in Space Collaboration

Country:
United States

Funding & Stakeholders:

• Public: U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) – Office of Technology Transitions
• Private: Axiom Space, Boeing, Vescent, Qrypt, USRA, Infleqtion, Accenture, Nebula, (Blue Origin under review)

Mission:
To revolutionize space technologies through quantum innovations—leveraging quantum computing, sensing, and communications in orbital environments.

Vision:
Establish secure, resilient, and advanced quantum infrastructure in space to support the emerging quantum-enabled space economy.

Key Points:

• Public-private collaboration enables resource sharing for high-risk quantum R&D specific to space use-cases.
• Focus areas:
  
  • Quantum-secured communications
  • Hybrid quantum computing data centers in orbit
  • Nuclear-powered sensing and secure information infrastructure
• Unique use of microgravity to unlock quantum capabilities difficult to achieve on Earth.
• Aimed at next-gen space manufacturing, orbital security, and deep space resource exploration.
• Companies like Axiom Space lead secure orbital infrastructure development; Qrypt focuses on encryption; Vescent provides core quantum hardware.

Strategic Impact:

• Positions the U.S. at the frontier of both space and quantum leadership.
• Supports long-term goals of building secure, scalable, and commercially viable space technology platforms.
• Serves as a model for global PPPs in deep tech innovation across aerospace and quantum sectors.

🌍 Case Study: Global – Public Sector Use of Quantum Computing

Initiative Title:
Quantum Computing for Public Sector Transformation

Countries Involved:
United States, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Singapore (Global trend)

Funding & Stakeholders:

• Public:
  
  • U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) – Office of Technology Transitions
  • German Federal Ministry of Education and Research
  • U.K. National Quantum Strategy
  • French Quantum Plan
  • Singapore National Research Foundation
• Private:
  
  • Industry collaborators in infrastructure, cybersecurity, and biomedical innovation
  • Tech providers and startups in quantum hardware, software, and security

Mission:
To leverage quantum computing to address complex societal challenges in healthcare, infrastructure, national security, and energy systems through strategic public investments and PPPs.

Vision:
Accelerate the integration of quantum technologies in essential government functions and build resilient, secure, and efficient public services.

Key Focus Areas & PPP Use Cases:

• Urban Infrastructure & Energy Grids:
  
  • PPP pilots: Optimize traffic and energy distribution through quantum simulations (e.g., Germany’s grid modeling research).
  • Reduce environmental impact and improve resilience to demand spikes.
• Healthcare & Drug Discovery:
  
  • PPP pilots: Quantum simulations for molecular modeling and precision medicine.
  • Faster, personalized treatment development and outbreak prediction tools.
• National Security & Cryptography:
  
  • Post-quantum cryptography to protect against future quantum threats.
  • Hybrid infrastructures with private tech firms to implement secure, scalable systems.
• Government Readiness & Workforce Training:
  
  • Joint initiatives to upskill civil servants in quantum fundamentals, cryptography, and data strategy.
  • Development of regulatory frameworks and data protection policies.

Strategic Impact:

• Early PPPs help test quantum technologies in real-life applications.
• Governments act as both users and funders, enabling early adoption and building ecosystems.
• Reinforces sovereignty and global competitiveness in emerging tech.
• Embeds quantum resilience into long-term infrastructure and public service planning.

🇺🇸 Case Study: United States – “Capital of Quantum” Initiative (Maryland)

Country:
United States (State of Maryland)

Key Stakeholders & Funders:

• Public:
  
  • State of Maryland (Gov. Wes Moore’s administration)
  • University of Maryland
• Private:
  
  • IonQ (Quantum hardware company and UMD spinoff)
  • Imec (Belgium), NKT Photonics (Denmark), Ansys (USA)
  • US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)

Mission:
Position Maryland as the leading quantum innovation hub in the U.S., driving quantum-related economic growth, educational access, and national security innovation.

Vision:
To catalyze $1 billion in public-private investments to establish Maryland as the “Capital of Quantum” and foster a vibrant ecosystem of jobs, research, education, and national competitiveness in quantum technologies.

Highlights & Focus Areas:

• 🧪 Quantum Infrastructure:
  State committed $185.4M for a new quantum lab facility at UMD; IonQ plans to expand to a 100,000 sq. ft HQ with labs and a data center.
• 🧠 Talent Development:
  UMD and IonQ to co-develop quantum education programs for high schools and build regional quantum workforce capacity.
• 🤝 Public-Private Synergy:
  $27.5M in public seed funding aims to attract over $200M in additional private and university investments.
• 🔗 Strategic Partnerships:
  Recent IonQ partnerships with imec, NKT Photonics, Ansys, and acquisition of Qubitekk to scale quantum networking and optical technologies.
• 🛡️ National Security Applications:
  IonQ signed a $54.5M deal with the US Air Force Research Laboratory to advance national defense through quantum networking.

Strategic Impact:

• Maryland’s initiative highlights how state-level quantum investment combined with a university-industry nexus can scale deep tech.
• The close proximity to Washington, D.C. and federal institutions creates a high-leverage environment for applied national innovation.
• IonQ aims for $1B revenue by 2030, signaling strong private market confidence and a long-term roadmap for commercialization.

Quote for Impact:

“With extraordinary assets and partnerships, Maryland can—and should—lead in this new emerging sector.”
— Gov. Wes Moore

🇺🇸 Case Study: United States – Quantum Sandbox for Near-Term Applications Act

Country:
United States

Key Stakeholders & Funders:

• Public:
  
  • U.S. Congress (bipartisan sponsorship: Reps. Obernolte, Stevens, Weber, Hudson)
  • U.S. Department of Energy, National Quantum Initiative (complementary framework)
• Private & Industry:
  
  • D-Wave, Quantinuum, QED-C, Qubitekk, Strangeworks, Artificial Brain, Alliance for Digital Innovation

Mission:
To accelerate real-world quantum application development through a cloud-based, government-supported quantum testbed, enabling rapid experimentation, deployment, and commercialization across critical sectors.

Vision:
Establish the U.S. as the global leader in quantum innovation by supporting public-private development of near-term quantum and hybrid applications in defense, healthcare, telecom, energy, and manufacturing.

Highlights & Focus Areas:

• 💻 Quantum Sandbox Environment:
  Cloud-based testbeds for co-developing quantum software tools across multiple platforms.
• ⚙️ Sector Applications:
  Focus on high-impact use cases: energy grid optimization, wildfire prediction, national security, healthcare systems, advanced manufacturing.
• ⏱️ Rapid Development Cycle:
  Public-private teams operate within 24-month timelines to demonstrate viability of near-term quantum applications.
• 🤝 Bipartisan Policy Support:
  The act builds on and extends the National Quantum Initiative, placing emphasis on practical commercialization and workforce readiness.

Strategic Impact:

• Builds national capacity in quantum-readiness, especially in real-world problem-solving.
• De-risks quantum R&D investment through government-backed infrastructure and shared platforms.
• Creates a pipeline of tested, deployable quantum solutions applicable across both public and private sectors.
• Supports workforce development and education to prepare for scale-up and broader adoption.

Quote for Impact:

“This legislation might be one of the most consequential and bipartisan achievements for U.S. innovation of this congressional term.”
— Jitesh Lalwani, CEO of Artificial Brain

🇺🇸🇯🇵 Case Study: Maryland–Japan Quantum Collaboration

Countries Involved:
United States (Maryland) 🇺🇸 & Japan 🇯🇵

Key Stakeholders & Funders:

• Public:
  
  • Maryland State Government (Gov. Wes Moore)
  • University of Maryland
  • Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
  • JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization)
• Private:
  
  • IonQ (USA) – Anchor partner of Maryland’s Capital of Quantum
  • NanoQT (Japan’s only quantum hardware company)
  • Terumo Group, Hitachi Ltd.

Mission:
To strengthen cross-border public-private partnerships in quantum research and commercialization, positioning Maryland as a global quantum hub and expanding Japan’s access to U.S.-based quantum ecosystems.

Vision:
Build a quantum innovation corridor between the U.S. and Japan—leveraging Maryland’s academic and defense ecosystem, and Japan’s growing investment in quantum hardware, to accelerate global market access, commercialization, and research impact.

Key Highlights:

• 📍 Capital of Quantum Initiative (Maryland):
  
  • Goal to catalyze $1 billion in investments
  • State budget includes $47.5 million in FY2026, with $10M for IonQ expansion
  • Anchored by the University of Maryland, a global leader in quantum science
  • Includes a new quantum research facility and K–12 education outreach
• 🤝 Japan Collaboration:
  
  • IonQ–Japan MoU signed to develop trapped ion quantum tech
  • NanoQT opens office at University of Maryland’s Discovery District
  • Maryland Governor led delegation and business seminar with JETRO and 100+ Japanese firms
  • Focus on attracting FDI in life sciences, quantum, and aerospace
• 🏗️ Infrastructure Investments:
  
  • Hitachi investing $70M+ in rail manufacturing in Maryland (creating 460 jobs)
  • Terumo Group employs 1,200 people in Maryland’s medtech sector
• 🌐 Workforce and Innovation Diplomacy:
  
  • U.S. Ambassador to Japan hosted Maryland delegation
  • Shared remarks on quantum, biotech, AI, and aerospace partnerships

Strategic Relevance:
This initiative is a model of science diplomacy meets industrial policy, combining:

• State-led sector prioritization
• Public-private-academic triple helix alignment
• International trade facilitation (JETRO)
• Infrastructure and education pipeline investment

Quote to Highlight:

“Maryland has had these assets for decades; we just needed the strategy to leverage them. And that’s what my administration has helped to deliver—our strategy is driven by a commitment to public-private partnerships.”
— Governor Wes Moore

🇺🇸 Case Study: D-Wave & Carahsoft – Quantum for U.S. Public Sector

Country:
United States 🇺🇸

Key Stakeholders & Funders:

• Private Sector:
  
  • D-Wave Quantum Inc. – Commercial quantum computing systems and services provider
  • Carahsoft Technology Corp. – Government IT solutions distributor and aggregator
• Public Sector Beneficiaries:
  
  • U.S. Government agencies and departments
  • National labs and defense/intelligence bodies
  • Emergency response, infrastructure, and energy authorities

Mission:
To accelerate government adoption of commercial quantum computing solutions—particularly D-Wave’s annealing and hybrid systems—by streamlining procurement through Carahsoft’s extensive federal contract network.

Vision:
Equip the U.S. public sector with real-time access to advanced quantum technologies for optimization, logistics, cybersecurity, and national resilience, ensuring global competitiveness and future readiness.

Highlights:

• 🤝 Partnership Mechanism:
  Carahsoft becomes D-Wave’s Master Government Aggregator, allowing public sector agencies to access D-Wave’s quantum computing tools via established procurement vehicles, such as:
  
  • NASA SEWP V
  • ITES-SW2
  • OMNIA Partners
  • E&I Cooperative Services
  • The Quilt (academic research consortium)
• 🔧 Tech & Services Offered:
  
  • D-Wave Advantage system via Leap quantum cloud
  • Professional services for public sector-specific applications (e.g. national defense, energy resilience)
  • Workforce training for government employees on quantum readiness
• 🧠 Use Case Areas:
  
  • National defense and intelligence
  • Emergency response and disaster management
  • Public energy grid optimization
  • Infrastructure planning
  • Materials science and advanced research

Strategic Significance:
This PPP showcases how a commercial-grade quantum platform can rapidly transition from R&D to public deployment through smart procurement strategies. It also reinforces the importance of:

• Quantum workforce training in public agencies
• Scalable cloud-based access to quantum services
• Use of existing contracts to reduce bureaucratic friction in tech adoption

Quote to Highlight:

“We anticipate this partnership will increase visibility, accessibility, and adoption of our solutions with U.S. Government and Public Sector entities, enabling them to harness powerful, commercial-grade quantum technology today.”
— Lorenzo Martinelli, CRO, D-Wave

Let me know if you’d like this visualized in a 1-page graphic or slide. I can also compile it with other cases like Maryland, China, or the Quantum Sandbox for a full downloadable deck or microsite.

🇺🇸 Case Study: Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park & DARPA Quantum Proving Ground

Country:
United States 🇺🇸

Key Stakeholders & Funders:

• Public Sector:
  
  • State of Illinois – $500 million in seed funding
  • DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) – Federal funding
  • Co-investment: Up to $140 million in public-private matching
• Academic & Innovation Anchors:
  
  • The Grainger College of Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
  • Illinois Quantum Information Science and Technology (IQUIST) Center
  • Chicago Quantum Exchange, Q-NEXT, Duality, IBM-Illinois Discovery Accelerator, QuSTEAM

Mission:
To accelerate U.S. leadership in quantum computing and microelectronics through a globally competitive ecosystem of research, talent development, and innovation.

Vision:
Create a world-changing innovation hub—on par with Silicon Valley or the Manhattan Project—driving breakthroughs in quantum information science, networks, and advanced sensing, while supplying a future-proof quantum workforce.

Highlights:

• 🧠 Talent & Research Capacity:
  
  • 65+ quantum faculty at UIUC (half of Illinois’ total)
  • 170+ graduate students, 40+ postdocs
  • Leading $150M+ in quantum research funding
  • Fourth-largest U.S. producer of engineering & CS undergrads
• 🌐 World’s First Public Quantum Network:
  
  • Developed by Grainger professors Virginia Lorenz and Paul Kwiat
  • Distributed quantum computing network using smaller “nodes” (InterQnet project)
• 🎨 Quantum Meets Art & Culture:
  
  • CASCaDe initiative (Collective for Art-Science, Creativity and Discovery) exploring quantum through creative expression
• 🧩 Interdisciplinary Strength:
  
  • Cross-departmental collaboration across 6 engineering fields
  • Linked to national programs like Q-NEXT, QuSTEAM, HQAN

Strategic Significance:

This is a once-in-a-generation public-private model to create a global quantum technology epicenter. The Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park is not only funding infrastructure but also supporting:

• Education pipelines
• Real-world deployment (e.g., quantum networking)
• Entrepreneurship
• Cross-sector R&D translation

Quote to Highlight:

“The potential for our work… is drawing comparisons to the Manhattan Project or the development of Silicon Valley.”
— Harley T. Johnson, Acting Director, Illinois Quantum

🇺🇸 🇹🇼 Case Study: Rigetti & Quanta – Strategic Collaboration on Superconducting Quantum Computing

Countries:
United States 🇺🇸 and Taiwan 🇹🇼

Funding Entities:

• Rigetti Computing (USA)
• Quanta Computer (Taiwan)
• Joint commitment: $200+ million investment ($100M+ each over 5 years)
• Additional $35M equity investment by Quanta in Rigetti (pending regulatory approval)

Mission:
To accelerate the development and commercialization of superconducting quantum computing by combining Rigetti’s modular, full-stack quantum capabilities with Quanta’s global hardware manufacturing expertise.

Vision:
Establish a global leadership position in scalable, commercially viable quantum systems using superconducting qubits—leveraging open architecture, cloud access, and semiconductor-grade infrastructure.

Strategic Significance:

• 🧠 Tech Synergy: Rigetti contributes modular, cloud-integrated superconducting quantum processors; Quanta adds large-scale hardware manufacturing and global distribution strength.
• 🌐 Market Positioning: As the market for quantum computing is projected to reach $1–2B annually by 2030, this collaboration is positioned to deliver near-term and scalable quantum systems.
• 🧪 Rigetti Innovation:
  
  • Pioneers in cloud-based quantum computing (since 2017)
  • Providers of on-premises QPUs (24–84 qubits)
  • Developers of the first multi-chip quantum processor
  • Operate their own chip fab: Fab-1 (world’s first dedicated quantum device fab)
• 🖥️ Quanta’s Scale & Capability:
  
  • Annual revenue: $43 billion
  • Workforce: 60,000+ employees globally
  • Expertise in server and notebook hardware and AIoT infrastructure

Key Outcomes Expected:

• Development of commercial-grade superconducting quantum systems
• Acceleration of quantum processor manufacturing
• Enhanced global visibility and access to quantum hardware via public and enterprise channels
• Shared IP and R&D advancement to reduce time-to-market

Quote to Highlight:

“Quanta’s investment in Rigetti will strengthen our leadership in this flourishing market… helping to put us at the forefront of the quantum computing industry.”
— Dr. Subodh Kulkarni, CEO, Rigetti Computing