Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announced on Sept. 17 that Microsoft will open a new quantum research center in the greater College Park, Md., area, building on Maryland’s momentum to become a global leader for quantum.
Under this agreement, Microsoft will partner with the state and the University of Maryland Enterprise Corporation to establish an advanced quantum research lab, providing early access to Microsoft’s quantum technology.
“Maryland is making big bets on the future to grow our economy and drive innovation. Quantum is at the center of that strategy,” Gov. Moore said in a press release. “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.”
Gov. Moore joined the Quantum World Congress event on Wednesday in Tysons, Va., to share additional details on the partnership.
“It’s going to support collaborative hardware and software development within this space. It’s going to allow us to share new research and new prototypes all across public and private sectors. It’s going to drive quantum growth in the state of Maryland and also around the country,” Gov. Moore said at the event.
The announcement comes after Gov. Moore announced the Capital of Quantum Initiative in January – a public-private partnership with UMD and IonQ – to spur more than $1 billion in investments in Maryland’s quantum industry.
In April, Gov. Moore also announced a new partnership between the state of Maryland and the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to establish the Capital Quantum Benchmarking Hub at the University of Maryland (UMD).
The governor noted that Maryland’s commitment to quantum industry investment through the Capital of Quantum Initiative was a key factor that led to the new partnership with Microsoft.
“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,” 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.”
“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,” added UMD 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.”
