To direct the state’s innovation strategy, the California Council on Science and Technology is looking for quantum experts.
The California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) has released a Call for Experts in quantum technology and innovation, marking a major step to bolster California’s leadership in next-generation technologies. To assist the state in forming policy, increasing research capacity, and promoting strategic growth in the rapidly developing field of quantum science, the initiative seeks to hire leading scientific and technological experts.
Qualified professionals with extensive knowledge of quantum computing, communications, sensing, semiconductors, and related fields are encouraged to submit nominations for this open call, which was issued on January 8, 2026. The deadline for nominations is January 30, 2026, highlighting the significance and urgency of putting together a top-tier advisory council in an industry that is on the verge of redefining technical frontiers.
A Quantum Science-Based Strategic Focus
Utilizing the peculiar but potent laws of quantum physics, quantum technology is quickly advancing from theoretical study to real-world applications in fields like computers, communications security, healthcare, environmental monitoring, and military. By utilizing quantum phenomena like superposition and entanglement, quantum computing in particular promises unmatched processing power, allowing it to solve difficult issues that even the most potent classical supercomputers in the world are unable to identify.
The CCST is striving to make sure that California’s workforce development, innovation ecosystems, and policy are ready for the opportunities and challenges that come with quantum technology because it recognizes this revolutionary potential.
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What the Call for Experts Entails
The most recent call from CCST is a component of a larger initiative to bring together a variety of experts to help guide important choices regarding the advancement and application of quantum technology. In particular, the council is looking for experts in the following fields:
- Technologies related to quantum computing, including algorithm development, error correction, and hardware and software techniques.
- The infrastructure for quantum communication, which includes entanglement distribution and secure quantum networks.
- Quantum sensing and networking: sophisticated sensors that provide previously unheard-of measuring and imaging precision.
- Research on semiconductors and quantum materials, which are the building blocks of scalable quantum devices.
- Alternative modalities including photonic, ion-trap, and neutral atom systems are examples of emerging quantum hardware platforms.
- Quantum-enhanced machine learning and quantum-AI synergies: combining artificial intelligence and quantum capabilities to improve performance.
- Quantum jobs and workforce development: methods to build and educate the upcoming generation of quantum experts.
- The energy requirements of AI and quantum systems: tackling sustainability and power consumption as quantum data centers grow.
- Quantum applications in the environment, healthcare, and security—finding significant use cases for society.
The goal of the expert nominations is to provide guidance for CCST programs that will assist California’s statewide quantum strategy, which is partially governed by state laws like Assembly Bill 940. To direct California’s public policy environment, this act promotes increased involvement with cutting-edge research and technology.
Nominations are encouraged from qualified professionals, such as researchers, engineers, business executives, and academic specialists. To allow practitioners outside of conventional academic or policy circles to share their expertise, self-nominations are also encouraged.
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The Significance of This for California
With some of the most significant IT firms, research institutes, and startups in the world, California is already at the forefront of technological innovation worldwide. Quantum technologies can flourish in the state because of its strengths in fields including biotechnology, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and microelectronics.
However, fresh difficulties are introduced by quantum research. Quantum systems use qubits, which can exist in several states at once, in contrast to classical computing, which uses binary bits (0s and 1s). This makes exponential computing power possible, but it also necessitates whole new methods for software development, hardware design, and error prevention. Therefore, hiring professionals with in-depth technical understanding is essential to developing strategies that work for both government and business.
Advances in this field, according to proponents of quantum innovation, could lead to improvements in drug discovery, climate modeling, secure communications, and optimization issues that are difficult for conventional systems to effectively handle. To keep California competitive as quantum technologies advance, it will be crucial to be able to direct their integration into vital economic sectors, educational systems, and infrastructure.
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Expert Involvement Beyond Policy Suggestions
CCST is searching for practitioners who can have meaningful conversations about practical applications and execution, not just academic theorists. In addition to contributing to CCST initiatives including expert briefings, workshops, reports, and other science-policy interfaces intended for lawmakers and decision-makers, experts may serve on steering committees.
These interactions offer a channel for knowledgeable discussion between scientists and decision-makers, assisting in the conversion of difficult technical ideas into practical suggestions.
Broader developments in quantum technology
This need for knowledge comes at a time when quantum technologies are seeing an increase in interest and funding both domestically and internationally. The federal and state governments are spending billions on infrastructure, employment programs, and quantum research facilities. Bipartisan support is beginning to emerge at the national level for reauthorizing significant quantum research projects in order to increase innovation and competitiveness.
Similar to this, industry participants and technology centers from multibillion-dollar innovation parks to university-led research alliances are stepping up their efforts to turn quantum discoveries into marketable goods and services. These advancements are part of a larger realization that quantum technologies have the potential to be just as revolutionary in the twenty-first century as classical computing was in the previous.
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Looking Ahead
CCST is establishing California as a leader in strategic planning, policy, and technology development by bringing in specialists to join its quantum workstream. The scientific and technical community will be closely observing how this endeavor influences the state’s strategy for managing one of the most significant technological revolutions in contemporary history as the nomination deadline draws near.
The CCST call for experts offers a timely chance for scientists, engineers, and innovators who are keen to shape the future of quantum technology to participate in strategic decision-making at the nexus of science, policy, and public impact.
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