The NSW government is weighing into the global battle to build a quantum computer with a $26 million fund for quantum computing initiatives.

The fund will inject money into research in a state that is already home to some of the world's leading researchers in the field, where University of New South Wales professor Michelle Simmons is considered a leading expert.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Skills and Small Business John Barilaro said he was hoping to turn NSW into a global hub for quantum computing science.

UNSW's Professor Michelle Simmons is one of the world's leading quantum computing researchers. Sean Davey

"What we want to do is keep Australia in this so-called race. The government has the chance to lead here and so it's investing in this fund," he said.

"It's impossible to over-state the potential benefits of this technological innovation in terms of economic growth and job creation. If quantum computing becomes a reality it will have a profound impact on all our lives and the State Government is committed to making NSW a world leader in this new and exciting technology."