SINGAPORE — In a decisive move to secure its technological future, Singapore has committed S$300 million (approximately US$219 million) to a five-year National Quantum Strategy (NQS), positioning itself as Asia’s leading hub for a revolution in computing, communication, and sensing. Unveiled in May 2024, the strategy coordinates nationwide efforts to translate cutting-edge quantum research into commercial applications for finance, pharmaceuticals, and cybersecurity.

This investment, part of Singapore's Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2025 plan, signals a long-term bet that quantum technologies will be as economically transformative as semiconductors and artificial intelligence.

"The National Quantum Strategy marks an important step in building Singapore as a leading quantum computing hub," said Mr. Ling Keok Tong, Executive Director of the National Quantum Office (NQO). The NQO, established in 2022 and hosted by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), functions as the central coordinator for this ambitious national project.

The strategy builds upon foundations laid since 2007, when Singapore launched the Centre for Quantum Technologies, and follows over S$400 million of prior government investment in the field.

The Four Pillars of Singapore's Quantum Ambition

The National Quantum Strategy is structured around four interconnected strategic thrusts designed to build a complete ecosystem from laboratory discovery to market-ready solutions.

The first thrust, scientific excellence, focuses on fundamental research. A key move was the January 2025 elevation of the longstanding Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT) into a flagship national research center.

This coordinates work across A*STAR, the National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, and the Singapore University of Technology and Design, creating a unified research front.

The second thrust aims to build engineering capabilities to turn theories into tangible technologies. This is primarily driven through the Quantum Engineering Programme, now in its third phase (QEP 3.0).

Two new national programs under this thrust are critical: the National Quantum Processor Initiative (NQPI), to develop Singapore’s own quantum computer processors, and the National Quantum Sensor Programme (NQSP), focusing on ultra-precise measurement technologies for biomedical imaging and environmental monitoring.

Third, the strategy emphasizes innovation and enterprise partnerships. The National Quantum Computing Hub (NQCH) acts as the focal point, providing researchers and companies with access to quantum systems and fostering collaboration on practical use-cases.

“We are advancing quantum-enabled applications in sectors such as healthcare, materials science, and finance,” Mr. Ling explained. This hub is already facilitating partnerships, such as a research collaboration between OCBC Bank and three local universities to explore quantum computing for derivative pricing and fraud detection.

The fourth and foundational thrust is talent development. Recognizing a global shortage of quantum specialists, Singapore launched the National Quantum Scholarships Scheme (NQSS). The goal is to support up to 100 PhD and 100 Master’s students over five years, building a deep pipeline of skilled researchers and engineers. As of mid-2025, the first cohort of 14 PhD students from five countries had already joined the CQT under this scheme.

A Global Race with High Stakes

Singapore's push is part of a worldwide surge in quantum investment. McKinsey projects the total quantum technology market could reach up to $97 billion by 2035, with quantum computing alone accounting for as much as $72 billion.

Governments are leading the charge, with public funding for quantum start-ups rising 19 percentage points in 2024. In this context, Singapore's S$300 million is a strategic bid for relevance. “We continue to invest significantly in quantum to strengthen our digital growth and security,” said Mrs. Josephine Teo, Singapore’s Minister for Communications and Information.

The urgency is twofold: economic opportunity and national security. Future quantum computers are expected to break widely used encryption, a event known as “Q-Day”. In response, Singapore has proactively launched the National Quantum-Safe Network Plus to trial next-generation, quantum-resistant encryption, aiming to future-proof its digital economy.

From Blueprint to Reality: Early Progress and Partnerships

Within a year of its launch, the NQS has catalyzed significant milestones, demonstrating a focused execution of its goals.

A landmark achievement was the December 2025 announcement by homegrown software startup Horizon Quantum that it had deployed Singapore’s first commercially operated quantum computer. This milestone, achieved by a private company, exemplifies the strategy’s aim to stimulate private-sector innovation and ecosystem growth.

Concurrently, Singapore is leveraging global partnerships to accelerate its capabilities. In a major coup, the National Quantum Office secured a strategic partnership with Quantinuum, a world-leading quantum computing company.

Under this agreement, Singapore will become the first country outside the United States to host Quantinuum’s advanced “Helios” quantum computer system in 2026. Quantinuum will also establish a local R&D and Operations Centre to co-develop applications with Singaporean researchers and industries.

These developments are creating a tangible hub. “Singapore has demonstrated remarkable foresight,” said Dr. Rajeeb Hazra, CEO of Quantinuum. “Together, we’re strengthening a hub that will accelerate the commercialization of quantum computing”.

Perspectives and Challenges on the Quantum Path

Analysts observe that while progress is evident, the journey is long and fraught with challenges. A primary hurdle is talent. Despite the scholarship scheme, the global competition for quantum experts is intense, and Singapore may need to develop more diverse pathways into the field beyond graduate degrees.

Furthermore, the NQS, unlike some other national strategies, does not publicly define specific, measurable milestones for success, which could make tracking progress and accountability more difficult.

There are also open questions about the social and ethical implications of quantum technologies, an area the strategy has yet to address in depth. Finally, quantum computing remains a long-term play. As Prime Minister Lawrence Wong noted, practical breakthroughs may be “10 or 20 years from now”.

The technology is fragile and complex, with machines requiring extreme cold and operating mainly through cloud access rather than personal devices.

Despite this, Singapore’s approach is characterized by strategic patience and systematic ecosystem building. By integrating fundamental research, engineering, corporate partnership, and education, the city-state is not merely buying a quantum computer; it is attempting to manufacture a complete quantum future.

The S$300 million investment is a down payment on its ambition to be the central node for quantum technology in Asia, shaping the next computing revolution rather than merely adapting to it.