The committee will develop a strategic plan to assist in positioning the state as a national leader in quantum computing, networking and sensing technologies.
Lin Zhou, the vice president for Information Technology, Chief Information Officer and executive director of Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Quantum Computing at Texas Tech University, has been appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott to the Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee.
The committee is tasked with developing a strategic plan for the promotion of the quantum economy in Texas. The committee is part of the Texas Quantum Initiative, a landmark law, HB4751, established in 2025 to position the state as a national leader in quantum computing, networking and sensing technologies.
“Through my work in quantum research and education, I’ve witnessed how quickly this field is moving from theory to impact,” Zhou said, “and I’m honored to help position our state at the forefront of innovation and societal impact on a global scale.”
The Texas Quantum Initiative will oversee the Quantum University and Business Innovation for Texas Fund, which can be used to issue grants to universities, state agencies and companies pursuing quantum design and manufacturing projects. The initiative puts a priority on commercial relevance, calling for investments in practical quantum technologies and scalable infrastructure, such as networks, hardware systems and real estate. It also encourages workforce development and identifying supply chain gaps.
Zhou is a founding member of the Texas Quantum Summit and serves on the board of directors for the Lonestar Education and Research Network. He is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) by the Project Management Institute and served on the Department of Information Resources State Strategic Plan Advisory Committee. He brings more than 25 years of leadership with some of the world’s largest blue-chip companies and institutions of higher education to the committee.
Zhou holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Nanjing University and a Doctor of Philosophy in Physics from the University of Glasgow. He has extensive knowledge in quantum computing, AI, blockchain, cloud computing and technology standards.