Phoenix bets on quantum computing as its next big tech industry Apr 22, 2026, 12:05 PM | Updated: 1:15 pm PHOENIX — Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego announced Tuesday that the city will launch a Phoenix Quantum Strategy to position the Valley as a national hub for quantum computing. “Phoenix is on the leading edge of biosciences and semiconductors,” Gallego said during her State of the City speech. “And we’re not stopping there. Now it’s time to get ready for the next frontier of advanced tech: quantum computing, communications and sensing.” The initiative will be led by former National Science Foundation director Dr. Sethuraman “Panch” Panchanathan. “Panch’s leadership at ASU and NSF helped shape America’s innovation agenda, and now he’s ready to lead the efforts for Phoenix,” Gallego said. The strategy will unite universities and industry partners to accelerate breakthroughs in the emerging field. Why is Mayor Kate Gallego pursuing the Phoenix Quantum Strategy? “Quantum technology is a promising platform for new economic growth, and by harnessing our assets and having the right approach, we can attract investment and better diversify our economy with industries built for the future,” Gallego said. Quantum computers are seen as tools that may eventually solve certain problems that would take modern-day computers years, according to IBM. They operate using the laws of quantum physics, a complex framework that can be difficult to explain outside the scientific community. According to ASU News, the global effort to advance quantum technology has been likened to the 1960s Space Race due to the scale of investment and the competition involved. Thus, Gallego’s decision to build research partnerships, attract quantum-related companies and develop talent could position Phoenix as a hub for next-gen tech. Christine Mackay, the president and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, is also playing a role