Brazil Targets $1 Billion for Quantum Software and Sensing, Avoiding Hardware Race
Updated
Updated · IEEE Spectrum · Aug 12
Brazil Targets $1 Billion for Quantum Software and Sensing, Avoiding Hardware Race
1 articles · Updated · IEEE Spectrum · Aug 12
Summary
Brazil aims to spend and attract $1 billion over the next six years for quantum computing, communications, sensing and software, with the strategy centered on areas short of frontier hardware.
That focus reflects a view that countries without U.S.- or China-scale budgets should use cloud access for top-end quantum processors while building domestic strength in software, algorithms, sensing and communications.
Roughly R$69 million in dedicated public quantum funding has already been announced, including R$60 million for an EMBRAPII quantum center and R$9 million for a national quantum communications program.
Brazil’s strongest near-term openings are seen in quantum software, emulation on high-performance computers, atomic clocks and metrology—fields that need skilled researchers more than multibillion-dollar fabrication plants.
The bet is that selective investment can deliver scientific and economic returns while preserving some technological sovereignty without joining the costly race to build general-purpose quantum computers.