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Phoenix has announced a new initiative aimed at positioning the region as a national player in quantum technology, with city leaders framing the effort as part of a long-term approach to economic development and innovation.
Unveiled by Mayor Kate Gallego during her State of the City address, the Phoenix Quantum Strategy is intended to bring together government, industry and academia to support research and commercialization in quantum computing, communication and sensing. The strategy builds on Phoenix’s broader economic development efforts and its growing presence in advanced technology sectors, according to a press release.
Leading the strategy is Sethuraman “Panch” Panchanathan, the former director of the U.S. National Science Foundation and a university professor of technology and innovation at Arizona State University.
“Phoenix’s targeted investments have led to enormous growth in the biosciences and advanced semiconductor manufacturing — and I want to make sure that our city, our region and our state lead the economy of the future,” Mayor Gallego said. “Quantum technology is a promising platform for new economic growth, and with the right strategy, we can attract investment, create jobs and diversify our economy with industries built for the future.”
Quantum technology explores the behavior of matter at the subatomic level to enable new approaches to computing, data security, materials science and health care. While the field remains in relatively early stages, researchers and policymakers have pointed to its potential to address problems beyond the capabilities of today’s supercomputers.
City officials say the Phoenix Quantum Strategy is designed to align the region’s existing assets — including semiconductor manufacturing, supply chain infrastructure and biosciences — with emerging quantum research and workforce development efforts.
“Panch’s leadership at ASU and NSF helped shape America’s innovation agenda, and now he’s ready to lead the efforts for Phoenix,” Ms. Gallego said. “He is uniquely positioned to bring together the partnerships and vision needed to make this initiative successful.”
During his tenure at the National Science Foundation, Mr. Panchanathan worked on national initiatives related to artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, advanced manufacturing and next-generation wireless systems. He was also involved in launching the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource pilot, which expanded access to research infrastructure for educators and scientists.
Before his federal service, Mr. Panchanathan spent more than 20 years at Arizona State University, where he founded academic programs and research centers, including the Center for Cognitive Ubiquitous Computing and the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence. He also served as executive vice president of ASU’s Knowledge Enterprise and as chief research and innovation officer.
The Phoenix Quantum Strategy is structured as a cross-sector effort that includes universities, private industry, startups and public agencies, with an emphasis on research, workforce development and coordination across institutions.
“ASU is more than ready to help bring Mayor Gallego’s vision to life,” Mr. Panchanathan said. “Her foresight to establish Phoenix as a hub for quantum technologies is both timely and important. This strategy will leverage Arizona’s strengths in semiconductors, supply chains and biosciences, while unlocking new opportunities for talent, entrepreneurship and industry creation.”
According to city officials, the initiative will focus on advancing quantum research and development, building a workforce to support emerging industries, attracting private investment and federal funding, supporting startup formation and strengthening partnerships across academia, government and industry.
“This is a powerful signal that Phoenix is not just participating in the future of quantum technology; we have the potential to become the place where it takes root,” Mayor Gallego said.
