Description
The quantum information science and technology (QIST) industry is facing critical challenges to its continued advancement due to recent financial difficulties brought about by the on-going covid-19 crisis. A recent survey conducted by QED-C, a US government industry-driven consortium, found that almost one-third of responding US QIST companies could be forced to take drastic financial measures within three months if the economic impact of the pandemic continues at pace. This sector, which has yet to reach maturation as a self-staining revenue generator, currently relies on a wide range of funding from both government and commercial sources. Some respondents cited the need for timely and aggressive government support to keep the nascent QIST industry on its current development.
