The companies that create the foundational technologies that enable other companies’ progress are embracing AI, of course. But that’s only part of the story. These honorees made big progress in 2025 on quantum computing, battery science, and other fronts.

The Trump administration is in early-stage conversations with quantum computing companies to discuss potential financial support for an industry that’s part of the growing race with China for technology supremacy.

An exhibit of a quantum computer at O’Hare put on by the University of Chicago and IBM aims to make learning about the technology accessible amid Chicago’s rise as a quantum hub.

The Trump administration is exploring equity-based investments in quantum computing firms like IonQ and Rigetti, signaling deeper government involvement in advancing U.S. tech innovation.

Designed to accelerate advances in medicine and other fields, the tech giant’s quantum algorithm runs 13,000 times as fast as software written for a traditional supercomputer.