IBM CEO Arvind Krishna Welcomes U.S. Push to Advance Quantum Computing
Washington — IBM CEO Arvind Krishna joined Trump administration officials and technology executives at the White House on Monday as President Donald Trump announced a strategy aimed at accelerating U.S. quantum computing development and strengthening cybersecurity.
Krishna welcomed two executive orders signed by Trump. One seeks to accelerate the development of advanced quantum computers, while the other directs federal agencies to move toward encryption systems capable of resisting future quantum-based cyberattacks.
“So, first, I’d like to thank the president for both of these EOs,” Krishna said during the White House event.
“The role of the government is often underestimated. The role of the government in pushing innovation and technology forward is what both of these will achieve.”
Krishna said closer cooperation between the government and private industry would encourage investment and speed the development of quantum technologies.
“Asking for the investment in quantum computing, asking that the departments all work together will actually accelerate what industry does, because that gives us the confidence to invest even more,” Krishna said.
“And that is what we commit to do, to get these systems out and to get what both the secretaries asked for, to get the systems out during your current term.”
The White House said the first executive order is intended to support the development of a scientifically relevant quantum computer. The second calls for a faster transition to post-quantum cryptography to protect federal systems and critical infrastructure from emerging cyber threats.
Trump described quantum technology as “the next generation of innovation across computing, sensing, and networking” and pledged significant U.S. investment in the field.
“We’re already the leader by a lot, and we’re going to be now the leader by a lot more,” he said.
Krishna appeared at the event alongside Google President Ruth Porat, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and senior administration officials involved in science and technology policy.
Porat described quantum computing as “a breakthrough critical technology” and said the United States remained the global leader.
“The US is in the lead, will stay in the lead,” she said.
Lutnick highlighted recent federal investments in quantum research and manufacturing.
“You all know that the government invested $2 billion just a couple of weeks ago in quantum to drive it forward,” he said.
He also pointed to federal support for domestic semiconductor and manufacturing facilities that will be needed to produce advanced quantum technologies in the United States.
The administration’s broader strategy includes expanding quantum research, strengthening supply chains, increasing workforce training and accelerating the adoption of quantum-resistant cybersecurity standards across federal agencies. (Source: IANS)
