The Department of Energy Quantum Leadership Act of 2025 aims to significantly enhance the United States' leadership in quantum information science, engineering, and technology by amending the National Quantum Initiative Act. This legislation expands the Department of Energy's (DOE) existing research, development, and demonstration program to explicitly include engineering and technology, fostering cooperative research with industry and academia across a wide array of quantum fields.

Key provisions include a new focus on industry outreach to educate sectors on quantum technologies and accelerate U.S. capabilities, alongside advancing domestic supply chains and commercialization. The bill mandates a 10-year High-Performance Computing Strategic Plan for integrating quantum, AI, and machine learning accelerators into DOE's computing facilities. It also establishes an Early-Stage Quantum High-Performance Computing Research and Development Program, allocating up to $20 million annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2030.

Furthermore, the bill requires a study on quantum supply chain needs and establishes a university-led traineeship program to address workforce development, particularly for underrepresented students, with up to $5 million annually. The overall DOE quantum information science program is authorized for up to $175 million annually from FY2026-2030, with strict prohibitions on funding for institutions with Confucius Institutes or for quantum research activities involving defined foreign countries or entities of concern.

A new DOE Quantum Instrumentation and Foundry Program is created, authorized for up to $50 million annually, to maintain U.S. leadership, develop domestic quantum supply chains, and provide resources for the scientific community. This program will support the development of specialized equipment, infrastructure, and quantum foundries in coordination with academic and industry partners.

The bill also strengthens the National Quantum Information Science Research Centers by expanding their mission to include engineering, technology, and workforce development, and increasing their funding authorization to $35 million annually. The DOE Quantum Network Infrastructure Research and Development Program is broadened to encompass diverse modalities, ground-to-space networking, quantum sensors, and education pathways, shifting its focus to comprehensive research, development, and demonstration.

Finally, the DOE Quantum User Expansion for Science and Technology (QUEST) Program is expanded to include software and cloud-based quantum computing, enabling the development of applications and algorithms. It also promotes partnerships for training and education on prototype devices, with extended funding authorizations through fiscal year 2030.