Governor Wes Moore introduced final week that Microsoft will open a brand new quantum analysis middle in the coronary heart of the University of Maryland’s Discovery District to function a growth hub for subsequent-era quantum applied sciences. The partnership between the State of Maryland, the University of Maryland Enterprise Corporation, and Microsoft marks a crucial milestone in Maryland’s momentum to turn out to be a world chief for quantum info science and expertise innovation.
“Maryland is making big bets on the future to grow our economy and drive innovation. Quantum is at the center of that strategy,” stated Gov. Moore. “We are honored to partner with Microsoft in this effort, as we work together to create jobs, spark discovery, and stimulate growth. And together, we will continue to make Maryland the best place in the world to change the world.”
The middle will present early entry to Microsoft’s quantum expertise to help collaborative {hardware} and software program growth between authorities businesses, educational establishments and quantum corporations. The middle may also entice expert quantum consultants to the state, offering an area for Microsoft engineers to work together and collaborate with the Maryland quantum ecosystem, together with University of Maryland college students and researchers. The University of Maryland Discovery District’s proximity to key quantum establishments and the Moore-Miller Administration’s demonstrated dedication to quantum trade funding by way of the Capital of Quantum Initiative had been key components that led to the new partnership.
“We are excited to be part of Governor Moore’s vision for the Capital of Quantum through the opening of this unique, partner-focused quantum center in Maryland’s Discovery District,” stated Microsoft Executive Vice President Jason Zander. “Together, we can advance quantum technology and accelerate U.S. leadership in science and innovation. This partnership exemplifies what is possible when state and federal leaders, academia, and industry unite for a common purpose.”
Launched by Governor Moore at IonQ’s College Park headquarters in January, the Capital of Quantum Initiative is a public-personal partnership with the state, the University of Maryland, College Park and personal companions to catalyze greater than $1 billion in investments in Maryland’s quantum trade. With an preliminary $52.5 million funding from Governor Moore’s Fiscal Year 2026 funds, the University of Maryland and its companions have pledged greater than $70 million to strengthen the state’s quantum ecosystem by way of teachers, workforce growth, and technical help.
Since launching the Capital of Quantum Initiative this 12 months, Maryland has welcomed almost a dozen quantum startups to the Discovery District’s various community of quantum innovators, and IonQ has introduced three vital mergers with quantum and aerospace companies.
In April, the governor signed a memorandum of agreement between the State of Maryland and DARPA to set up the “Capital Quantum Benchmarking Hub” at the University of Maryland. The settlement marked a formalization of state and federal authorities partnership to take a look at and consider quantum info science in the state, unlocking up to $100 million in federal funds to match the state’s quantum computing investments—some of which will probably be used to put money into Microsoft’s new quantum middle.
The partnership with DARPA solidified Maryland as a strategic vacation spot for corporations main in quantum like Microsoft, which is one of two corporations in the most superior section of DARPA’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative.
Microsoft’s new quantum middle will give quantum consultants in authorities and academia direct entry to superior quantum {hardware} prototypes like Majorana 1, the world’s first quantum chip powered by a topological qubit design. Unveiled earlier this 12 months, Majorana 1 has the potential to ship error-resistant quantum programs that may be scaled for business use a number of years sooner than initially predicted. When operational, Microsoft’s quantum middle will probably be a collaborative house that facilitates palms-on analysis, prototyping, and benchmarking for improvements like Majorana 1 in partnership with DARPA’s testing and analysis staff—paving the method for revolutionary breakthroughs to happen inside years moderately than many years.
“This is a landmark moment for the University of Maryland and for the entire state. The launch of Microsoft’s advanced quantum lab in our Discovery District is a testament to the incredible momentum we’ve built in quantum science and innovation. It reflects years of world-class research, visionary investment, and bold collaboration that together have made Maryland and the greater DC region the true Capital of Quantum,” stated University of Maryland President Darryll J. Pines. “We are proud to work alongside Gov. Moore, Microsoft and our federal partners to drive the next wave of quantum breakthroughs—and to do it right here in College Park.”