- May 14, 2025
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THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, the state of Maryland and a leading quantum computing and networking firm in January launched a landmark public-private partnership that positions the region as a global center of quantum information science and technology while underscoring UMD’s research preeminence in the field.
The “Capital of Quantum” initiative was introduced during an event held at IonQ, a company that sprang from discoveries made in UMD labs and is headquartered in the university’s Discovery District, home to a growing business ecosystem of smaller quantum startups.
“Quantum has the potential to transform every part of our economy and society, from national security to health care,” Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said at the event. “With extraordinary assets and partnerships, Maryland can and should lead in this new emerging sector, and we are moving forward with a clear strategy to make that vision a reality. Together, we will make Maryland the quantum capital of the world.”
This strategic partnership aims to unlock more than $1 billion in investments—a combination of state funds, matching federal grants, private-sector investments and philanthropic contributions—over the next five years.
Moore signed an executive order identifying quantum computing, which draws on exotic physics to speed up certain calculations exponentially over current computers, as a priority industry for state investment and support. In April, Moore signed into law $52.5 million as the state’s initial investment toward the Capital of Quantum initiative, which is expected to spur more than $200 million in UMD and partner investments for academic, technical, workforce and ecosystem support.
The governor’s administration has also committed continued funding for the construction of Stanley R. Zupnik Hall, a state-of-the-art engineering building that includes $58 million in private investments and $185.4 million from the state, and which will add more quantum labs to the UMD campus.
“We are deeply grateful to Gov. Moore for his visionary investment in building a brighter future for Maryland’s economy,” said UMD President Darryll J. Pines. “He recognizes the immense potential of quantum technology and the possibilities we can explore if we work together to position our region as the global Capital of Quantum.”
The initiative includes plans for the university to grow its ranks of 200-plus quantum researchers by recruiting top scientists and engineers worldwide; expand students’, researchers’ and entrepreneurs’ access to quantum computers and scientists at the National Quantum Laboratory (QLab), a partnership with IonQ; bolster the Quantum Startup Foundry, a business accelerator based in the Discovery District that provides resources and support to bring quantum technologies to market; and launch education, outreach and training initiatives, from high school to graduate level to professional training.
IonQ also plans to grow its corporate headquarters into a 100,000-square-foot facility with a data center, laboratories and office space in the Discovery District, and double its corporate headquarters workforce to at least 250 people in the Maryland region over the next five years, as well as spur many other jobs in diverse fi elds from construction to software engineering.
“Investing in quantum computing is investing in Maryland’s future,” said Peter Chapman, IonQ executive chair and chairman of the board.
From left: IonQ Executive Chair and Chairman of the Board Peter Chapman takes Maryland Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller, Gov. Wes Moore and UMD President Darryll J. Pines on a tour of the company’s College Park headquarters.
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Spring 2025Types
News