UMD to Host Microsoft Quantum Research Center in Discovery District

The University of Maryland will soon be home to a major new Microsoft quantum research lab, further strengthening the university’s position as a global leader in quantum science, innovation and commercialization. Gov. Wes Moore announced the project on Wednesday while addressing hundreds gathered for the Quantum World Congress (QWC), a global event focused on the future of quantum science and innovation being held this week in Tysons, Va.

The announcement results from a partnership between the state of Maryland, the University of Maryland Enterprise Corporation and Microsoft, one of the world’s largest technology firms, and marks a critical milestone in Maryland’s momentum toward becoming a global leader for quantum information science and technology innovation. 

“Maryland is making big bets on the future to grow our economy and drive innovation. Quantum is at the center of that strategy,” said 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.”

According to the announcement from the governor’s office, the center will provide early access to Microsoft’s quantum technology to support collaborative hardware and software development between government agencies, academic institutions and quantum companies. It will also attract skilled quantum experts to the state, providing a space for Microsoft engineers to interact and work with the Maryland quantum ecosystem, including University of Maryland students and researchers.

From left, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Microsoft Executive Vice President Jason Zander and UMD President Darryll J. Pines 

“This is a landmark moment for the University of Maryland and for the entire state,” said UMD President Darryll J. Pines, who also delivered an address Wednesday at QWC. “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 D.C. region the true Capital of Quantum. 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.”

In January, Moore launched the Capital of Quantum Initiative at the College Park headquarters of IonQ, a leading quantum computing and networking company born from UMD research. The goal of this landmark public-private partnership between the state, the University of Maryland, IonQ and private partners is to catalyze more than $1 billion in investments in Maryland’s quantum industry. Since the launch of the initiative, Maryland has welcomed nearly a dozen quantum startups to the Discovery District’s diverse network of quantum innovators, and IonQ has announced three significant mergers with quantum and aerospace firms. 

“We are excited to be part of Gov. Moore’s vision for the Capital of Quantum through the opening of this unique, partner-focused quantum center in Maryland’s Discovery District,” said 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.” 

In April, the governor signed a memorandum of agreement between the state of Maryland and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to establish the Capital Quantum Benchmarking Hub at the University of Maryland. The agreement marked a formalization of a state and federal government partnership to test and evaluate quantum information science in the state, unlocking up to $100 million in federal funds to match the state’s quantum computing investments—some of which will be used to invest in Microsoft’s new quantum center. The partnership with DARPA solidified Maryland as a strategic destination for companies leading in quantum like Microsoft, one of two firms involved in the most advanced phase of DARPA’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative.

Click HERE to read the full article