Coordinated ecosystem
Government, higher education, and industry aligned around a shared statewide strategy.
Statewide strategy • Established August 2026
Utah’s quantum future.
Built here.
The Utah Quantum Initiative connects research, industry, talent, and capital to turn quantum breakthroughs into companies, products, and real-world impact.
01 The opportunity
Utah is built to connect the quantum stack.
The national race is crowded at the top. Utah’s opportunity is where breakthrough science becomes usable technology.
Our strength is the connective layer: quantum sensing and communications, cryogenic electronics, packaging and interconnects, high-performance computing, and the talent to integrate it all.
Read the public strategy overviewResearch depth
Complementary university strengths in physics, engineering, computer science, materials, and high-performance computing.
Manufacturing base
Semiconductor, electronics, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing capacity ready for quantum integration.
Ready markets
Defense, life sciences, energy, and logistics provide real-world pathways for pilots and deployment.
02 What quantum means
A new set of tools for problems that matter.
Quantum technologies use the behavior of matter and light at extremely small scales to measure more precisely, communicate more securely, and approach certain complex calculations in new ways.
Q
Quantum computing
New approaches to selected problems in simulation, optimization, materials, and molecular discovery.
S
Quantum sensing
Extraordinary precision for navigation, timing, imaging, environmental measurement, and defense applications.
C
Quantum communications
Photonics and networking technologies that can strengthen how information is transmitted and protected.
H
Enabling hardware
The controls, packaging, interconnects, fabrication, and computing infrastructure required to make quantum systems useful.
“
Quantum technology is going to change how we compute, communicate, manufacture, discover new medicines and defend our country—and Utah has the people and infrastructure to help lead that transformation.
Governor Spencer J. Cox
03 Strategic priorities
Seven pillars.
One connected strategy.
These priorities reflect the Governor’s executive order and focus Utah’s coordination where it can create measurable economic and public value.
01Research & hardware strengths
Build on Utah’s strengths in sensing, photonics, semiconductors, and high-performance computing for simulation and hybrid workflows.
Statewide aimPosition Utah as a national leader in quantum hardware integration.02Workforce & talent retention
Develop career pathways, education, apprenticeships, and industry connections that prepare Utahns for quantum-relevant work.
Statewide aimBuild a quantum-ready workforce and keep Utah-trained talent in Utah.03Commercialization & industry growth
Connect research with companies, pilots, entrepreneurship support, and potential investment pathways as opportunities mature.
Statewide aimMove discoveries from the laboratory toward practical applications and markets.04Federal positioning & supply chains
Coordinate federal funding opportunities and identify ways Utah companies and institutions can strengthen domestic quantum supply chains.
Statewide aimMake Utah a trusted partner for national quantum priorities.05Defense-sector engagement
Develop partnerships and application pathways focused on quantum sensing and communications.
Statewide aimConnect Utah’s research and technology base with high-value national-security needs.06Public understanding
Explain quantum technology in plain language and report credible progress as the initiative develops.
Statewide aimBuild informed public support and a strong national reputation.07Policy & funding recommendations
Work with state budget and legislative leaders to identify appropriate policies and funding as needs and opportunities become clear.
Statewide aimTranslate a coordinated strategy into responsible, measurable action.04 From science to impact
Quantum meets Utah’s strongest industries.
Focused applications give researchers and companies a direct path from experimentation to deployment.
Aerospace + defense
Sense what others cannot.
Quantum sensing, precision timing, resilient navigation, and secure communications.
Life sciences
Discover faster.
Explore quantum algorithms for molecular simulation and drug discovery, alongside emerging applications in diagnostics and complex optimization.
Energy + infrastructure
See beneath the surface.
Advanced sensing for geothermal systems, minerals, grids, and critical infrastructure.
Advanced manufacturing
Build the enabling layer.
Cryogenic controls, packaging, interconnects, semiconductors, and systems integration.
05 Directional roadmap
From alignment to national leadership.
The initiative will organize first, advance the strongest opportunities, and scale what demonstrates value.
Now
Organize
Governance & landscape
Convene the council, map statewide assets, coordinate partners, and establish a credible baseline.
Next
Activate
Talent & partnerships
Advance workforce pathways, research connections, industry engagement, and federal opportunities.
Then
Demonstrate
Applications & commercialization
Evaluate and advance promising pilots, shared capabilities, and pathways from research to markets.
Scale
Build
Capacity that proves its value
Grow the infrastructure, programs, and partnerships that demonstrate demand and measurable outcomes.
Future programs and investments remain subject to council action, available funding, and applicable legislative or administrative authorization.
Executive Order 2026-06
A statewide mandate to move.
Governor Cox’s executive order makes quantum a priority in Utah’s economic strategy and creates a Quantum Coordination Council to align state government, higher education, and industry.
August 10, 2026Executive order signed
March 30, 2027Statewide landscape report due
December 31, 2028Order remains in effect
06 Leadership & coordination
Leadership built for convergence.
Policy, science, and commercialization working together.
GOED leads the initiative and chairs the statewide Quantum Coordination Council. Nucleus Institute co-leads the initiative, connecting research, commercialization, talent, industry, and capital.
State strategyCommissioner, Governor’s Office of Economic Development
CEO, Nucleus Institute
Jefferson Moss
Jefferson leads Utah’s statewide economic development and innovation strategy, connecting government, higher education, industry, and capital. An entrepreneur, investor, and former Utah House majority leader, he has built and led initiatives advancing deep-technology commercialization, emerging industries, and cross-sector partnerships throughout the state.
Science & researchProfessor
Brigham Young University
Ryan Camacho
Ryan is an electrical and computer engineering professor whose research spans quantum photonics, nanophotonics, and optical systems. He has contributed to national work on quantum networking and helps connect Utah’s research strengths with the technologies, infrastructure, and talent needed to compete in the quantum economy.
Operations & commercializationCOO, Nucleus Institute
Managing Director, Nucleus Fund
Angela Smith
Angela leads operations and commercialization programs that help move promising research into companies and markets. Drawing on experience across venture capital, education, and ecosystem building, she connects innovators with funding, expertise, and partnerships while helping shape Convergence Hall as a home for Utah innovation.
Administration & coordinationExecutive Assistant
Governor’s Office of Economic Development
Aspen Orton
Aspen supports the initiative’s administrative coordination and serves as the primary contact for inquiries, participation, and partnership connections.
ContactInitiative partners
Co-led by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Nucleus Institute.
07 News & coverage
Utah’s quantum momentum is drawing attention.
Official updates and independent reporting on the launch, strategy, and statewide opportunity.
Gov. Cox launches Utah Quantum Initiative
The Governor’s announcement establishes the initiative and outlines Utah’s priorities for research, talent, commercialization, manufacturing, and national partnerships.
Read on Utah.gov (opens in a new tab)Utah governor launches quantum technology initiative
Local coverage examines the council’s role, the initiative’s development, and Utah’s approach to opportunity and responsible policy.
Read the story (opens in a new tab)Utah’s Quantum Initiative will support research, strategy
A public-sector technology perspective on the executive order, coordination council, and seven strategic priorities.
Read the story (opens in a new tab)Utah launches quantum initiative to research atomic-level technology
Regional reporting explains quantum technology for a broad audience and highlights Utah’s research and industry strengths.
Read the story (opens in a new tab)Coverage links lead to third-party websites. Inclusion does not imply endorsement of every statement or viewpoint.
08 Contact the initiative
Help build Utah’s quantum future.
Utah welcomes partners ready to advance research, build enabling technologies, develop talent, and move quantum applications toward practical use.
Researchers & institutions
Connect capabilities, explore collaboration, and help map Utah’s research and infrastructure strengths.
Companies & manufacturers
Identify supply-chain opportunities, technical needs, potential applications, and pathways for industry partnership.
Students & educators
Help shape the skills, pathways, and experiences Utah’s future quantum workforce will need.
Investors & national partners
Explore Utah’s emerging capabilities and connect with the statewide network supporting quantum innovation.
Primary contact
Aspen Orton
Administrative coordination
Emailaspenorton@utah.gov
09 Common questions
Utah Quantum Initiative, explained.
Concise answers for partners, policymakers, researchers, companies, and the public.
What is the Utah Quantum Initiative?
A statewide effort established by Governor Spencer J. Cox’s Executive Order 2026-06 to coordinate government, higher education, and industry around quantum research, workforce development, commercialization, and advanced manufacturing.
Who leads the initiative?
The Governor’s Office of Economic Development leads the initiative and chairs the Quantum Coordination Council. Nucleus Institute co-leads the initiative, connecting research, commercialization, talent, industry, and capital.
What technologies does Utah prioritize?
Quantum sensing, photonics, communications, computing, semiconductors, high-performance computing, and the hardware and workforce needed to translate research into practical applications.
How can organizations participate?
Researchers, companies, manufacturers, educators, students, investors, and national partners can contact the initiative to explore collaboration and strengthen Utah’s quantum ecosystem.
The next frontier is being built now.