Jane Bambauer, Brechner Eminent Scholar and director of the Marion B. Brechner First Amendment Project at the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications, is quoted in “The ‘Quantum Internet’ (and Why Washington Should Care)” published in POLITICO on May 20.

The article focuses on the “quantum internet,” a still-theoretical way to connect quantum computers to one another, one day allowing people to compute and exchange data across distant devices. A debate has ensued on how much the government should be involved in the development process.

According to Bambauer, despite the rise of quantum-specific startups and more existing companies shifting into the space, the private sector is not expected to make returns on quantum anytime soon, meaning it’s a riskier bet for investors and thus more dependent on federal research money.

“It really only becomes a viable business strategy to invest later in the pipeline when you’re closer to getting a commercial product,” said Bambauer. “And so, we need the public purse to invest, as we always have.”

Bambauer argued that it’s true some of the quantum algorithms scientists have in mind may not pan out or be practical, but there is enough of a possibility that the government should take the bet. The long-term gains could have payouts in simulating unsolved problems and discovering unique materials.

“Even if there’s just a small chance of the quantum computing programs that we hope to develop working,” she said, “It’s actually a pretty low-cost investment.”

Posted: May 21, 2024
Category: Brechner Center, College News
Tagged as: Jane Bambauer, Marion B, Marion B. Brechner First Amendment Project, POLITICO, Quantum Internet