Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announced the launch of the Capital Quantum Benchmarking Hub at the University of Maryland, in partnership with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency on Monday.
The new hub will be based at this university’s Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security and will work with DARPA, a research and development agency of the U.S. Department of Defense, to analyze the success of quantum computing approaches over the next eight years.
The partnership will leverage $100 million in matched federal investments into Maryland’s quantum sector over the next four years and allow DARPA scientists to work with researchers from this university, Moore said.
“Quantum is going to have a remarkable impact on the human condition and its home is going to be right here in Maryland,” Moore said during the announcement.
[UMD leaders promote technology, innovation at World Quantum Day celebration]
The announcement, made in this university’s Discovery District, comes after Moore launched the $1 billion “Capital of Quantum” initiative in January. The initiative, launched in partnership with this university, is part of Moore’s plan to position the state and this university as a leader in the quantum industry.
The new partnership with DARPA will strengthen quantum efforts at this university, university president Darryll Pines, who previously worked at the agency, said during the announcement.
The Capital of Quantum initiative, a partnership between public and private sectors, plans to drive progress in quantum research, workforce development and industry collaboration by partnering with companies such as IonQ, a College-Park-based quantum research firm.
The initiative aims to generate $1 billion in investments over the next five years, which the federal government will help contribute to through the DARPA partnership.
[4 bills Gov. Wes Moore proposed that failed to pass the 2025 Maryland General Assembly]
DARPA will work with this university to evaluate quantum’s national security uses and its commercial impact, Pines said.
“We are continuing to show the rest of the world that the place to be for innovation is right here in College Park,” Pines said.
The Capital of Quantum initiative also aims to further develop this university’s Discovery District and IonQ’s headquarters, hire at least 250 employees and support quantum startups, a January news release read.
“We are sending a very clear message to leaders in the public and leaders in the private sector,” Moore said. “Maryland is the epicenter for quantum computing research, full stop.”
