The United States is in a race with China for quantum supremacy, and the outcome could have profound implications for the global balance of power.

While the U.S. currently leads in quantum computing, China and other countries are rapidly catching up, investing heavily in research and development. A recent report by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute found that China now surpasses the U.S. in 57 out of 64 key technology areas, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

The stakes are high, as quantum technology has the potential to revolutionize numerous industries, from health care and energy to national security, agriculture and transportation. In recognition of its vast potential, the United Nations has declared 2025 the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology.

In Colorado, quantum sensors are already being used to detect methane leaks in oil and gas operations and lung cancer in humans. Our region is now the federally designated Tech Hub for quantum, earning the only federal funding award in quantum science and technology nationally.

The $40.5 million Tech Hub investment to Elevate Quantum, a consortium of industry, educational, economic development and workforce organizations across Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming, also unlocked more than $127 million in new federal and state funding. At the same time, Colorado is making strategic investments in quantum infrastructure through grants, tax incentives, and workforce development initiatives.

Despite the progress being made in the U.S., more needs to be done to secure America’s quantum future. While continued federal funding is crucial, the private sector also must play a more active role. In January, President Trump announced the Stargate Initiative, a $500 billion collaboration to expand artificial intelligence infrastructure in the United States — and quantum computing will enable and accelerate A.I. Established companies, startups, and investors who recognize the immense potential of quantum technology and commit the resources necessary will experience tremendous benefits as we translate scientific discoveries into practical applications.

American workers won’t simply be beneficiaries of the quantum revolution as consumers — they’ll be part and parcel of it.

Last fall, CU Boulder released a quantum workforce roadmap that outlines how we will train, prepare and inspire the next generation of quantum workers. By our estimates, 80% to 90% of the jobs created by quantum capabilities will not require a Ph.D. — positions including lab technicians, welders, engineers, salespeople, finance professionals and more. A robust system of high schools, two- and four-year colleges, and workforce training programs will ensure that quantum is a game-changer for workers of all stripes.

Failure to invest in quantum technology could have long-lasting consequences. If China wins the quantum race, it could gain a significant strategic advantage, potentially undermining U.S. economic and military dominance.

The time to act is now. The U.S. must leverage its strengths, including its history of innovation, educational underpinning, technical expertise, and entrepreneurial spirit, to ensure we lead the quantum revolution.

So who’s with us?

Jared Polis is the governor of Colorado, and Justin Schwartz is the chancellor of the University of Colorado Boulder.