U.S. Government Announces $1 Billion in Funding for AI and Quantum Research

This week, Washington announced $1 billion in new funding for AI and quantum research hubs. The National Science Foundation, Energy Department (DOE), and other U.S. agencies are pitching in, along with help from the private sector.

The U.S. is using that funding to establish 12 new quantum/AI research institutes at universities and DOE national labs scattered across the country.

The focus?

Basic R&D that’s early stage and high-risk.

Corporate research labs are reluctant to undertake this type of R&D, due to high costs and insufficient avenues for commercialization.

• AI centers will focus on applying the technology to weather, climate, and oceanography; neural architecture optimization; and agriculture.
• Quantum centers will be tasked with developing infrastructure, interconnects, and software.

Zoom out: As you may expect, these developments don’t exist in a vacuum. Policymakers across the aisle have pushed for more emerging tech R&D funding, so the U.S. doesn’t lose its edge to other regions.

+ While we’re here: Dive into the geopolitical dimensions of AI in the guide we released this week.