The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to coordinate efforts to advance quantum computing. The partnership resulting from the MOU is also expected to enable advances in quantum science and technology and the application of quantum technology to the DOE’s mission areas. The MOU establishes a framework for planning and coordinating future research, development, engineering, and test and evaluation activities related to quantum computing.

Part of that work, according to an announcement, will include a deep analysis of the current status of quantum computing and its future direction. Through the collaboration, the DOE and DARPA will form a verification and validation team for fault tolerate quantum computers, said Joe Altepeter, DARPA program manager for the recently launched Quantum Benchmarking Initiative. The goal of the initiative is to quantify progress in quantum computing applications and algorithms and expand efforts to validate quantum computer hardware progress.