Forbes is reporting that a White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) report shows the Trump administration is proposing a 30% increase in non-defense R&D spending on artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum information science next year.
That will take the total to $2.2 billion. About $699 million of that will be spent on quantum technology under this proposal (versus $579 million).
The report, which is available here, states: “This memorandum ensure that America remains at the global forefront of S&T discovery and innovation. The IotF-AI, quantum information sciences (QIS), advanced communication networks/SO, advanced manufacturing, and biotechnology-remain the Administration’s top R&D priority. This includes fulfilling President Trump’s commitment to double non-defense AI and QIS funding by FY2022.”
The announcement may be related to increasing tensions between China and the United States, according to the magazine. Both China and the U.S. see AI and quantum information science, which includes quantum computing and quantum-encrypted communications, as central to their future military and economic success.
Forbes added that Quantum computers have the potential to reinvent computing’s entire technology stack and ultra-secure, quantum-based encryption systems are already being used to protect sensitive communications and intellectual property.
AI is already transforming most businesses, from automating processes to enabling engineers to predict when machines will need maintenance.
