News Releases
University of Maryland Quantum Startup Foundry Included in TIME’s America’s Best Incubators & Accelerators 2026 List
August 28, 2026
Contacts
Media Relations: mediainfo@umd.edu
COLLEGE PARK, Md. — The University of Maryland Quantum Startup Foundry has been awarded on TIME’s list of America’s Best Incubators & Accelerators 2026. This prestigious award is presented in collaboration with Statista, the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. The award list was announced on August 18th, 2026, and can be viewed on TIME.com.
The America’s Best Incubators & Accelerators 2026 ranking awards the top 80 incubators and accelerators across the United States based on three key dimensions:
- Alumni Evaluations: Feedback from more than 2,000 founders who participated in incubator and accelerator programs between 2020 and 2025. Alumni rated their overall experience through a general recommendation and assessed six key aspects, including mentoring and training, infrastructure, legal assistance, funding opportunities, networking, and business development advice.
- Track Record: An evaluation of each incubator’s and accelerator’s measurable founder outcomes, based on the top five startups they reported from their programs. These startups were assessed using information provided by the organizations, complemented by Statista’s desk research drawing on publicly available sources such as official websites, presentations, and media coverage.
- Expert Recommendations: Endorsements from startup investors and seasoned entrepreneurs, who recommended the incubators and accelerators they know and regard most highly.
Based on the results of the study, the University of Maryland Quantum Startup Foundry is honored to be recognized on TIME's list of America’s Best Incubators & Accelerators 2026!
Statista publishes hundreds of worldwide industry rankings and company listings with high-profile media partners. This research and analysis service is based on the success of statista.com, the leading data and business intelligence portal that provides statistics, relevant business data, and various market and consumer studies and surveys.
“We’re honored and excited that the QSF has been recognized on TIME’s list of America’s Best Incubators & Accelerators for 2026," said Dean Chang, Chief Innovation Officer at the University of Maryland. "The QSF is part of UMD's overall Capital of Quantum (CoQ) initiative, and this distinction reflects both the QSF's and CoQ's commitment to positioning Maryland as a global hub for quantum entrepreneurship by giving startups the guidance, connections and resources they need to grow and succeed.”
About the University of Maryland
The University of Maryland (UMD) is the state's flagship university driven by a community of more than 50,000 fearless Terrapins. As a leading research university and top 20 public institution, UMD is proud to be part of the Association of American Universities. Dedicated to excellence and impact for the public good, the university is propelled by a $1.4 billion joint research enterprise. UMD is the nation’s first Do Good campus, and is consistently ranked for its innovation, research and top-tier academic programs. Located in the National Capital Region, the university offers an unparalleled student experience with federal internship opportunities, hundreds of academic programs and study abroad options, and top-ranked living-learning programs. Spurred by a culture of innovation and creativity, UMD’s faculty are global leaders in their fields and include Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners and members of the national academies. For more information about the University of Maryland, College Park, visit umd.edu
Colleges & Schools
Quantum Startup Foundry