A new federal initiative to build a quantum supercomputer could transform everything from encryption to drug discovery, creating the next wave of winners and losers.

Two executive orders signed today direct the Defense Department to field three new types of quantum sensors by 2028, assist the Energy Department in building a quantum supercomputer, and advise other agencies on defeating quantum hackers.

A public-private partnership in the Mountain West announced new results today that mark steady progress toward the Department of Energy's goal of fault-tolerant quantum computing, systems large and reliable enough to solve complex problems.