University of Maryland Celebrates International Year of Quantum With Landmark State and Federal Investments

College Park, Md. – The University of Maryland (UMD) is solidifying its position as a global leader in quantum science and technology through two recent major developments: the launch of the $1 billion “Capital of Quantum” initiative and the establishment of the Capital Quantum Benchmarking Hub to be located at the university’s Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS).

In January, Gov. Wes Moore announced the “Capital of Quantum” initiative, a strategic public-private partnership aimed at catalyzing over $1 billion in investments to reinforce Maryland’s prominence in the global quantum sector. The initiative brings together state funds, federal grants, private sector investments and philanthropic contributions over the next five years. Key components include recruiting top quantum scientists and engineers from around the world to join the ranks of 200-plus quantum UMD faculty members, expanding access to the National Quantum Laboratory (QLab), hiring skilled test and evaluation experts, constructing new facilities for UMD ARLIS and launching education and workforce development programs.

“Quantum has the potential to transform every part of our economy and society, from national security to health care,” said Gov. Moore. “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."

Building on the momentum of this initiative, the state of Maryland and DARPA announced a partnership in April to create the Capital Quantum Benchmarking Hub dedicated to testing and evaluating quantum computing prototypes for national security and commercial applications. Located at UMD’s ARLIS, the hub is part of DARPA’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI), which aims to verify and validate quantum computing approaches that could achieve industrial utility by 2033. DARPA and the state of Maryland will make matching contributions of up to $100 million each over four years to support the endeavor.

“The University of Maryland is proud to serve as the home of the Capital Quantum Benchmarking Hub and to play a pivotal role in advancing the nation’s quantum future,” said University of Maryland President Darryll J. Pines. “This partnership with DARPA and the state of Maryland underscores our longstanding commitment to cutting-edge research and national security. Together, we are building the infrastructure and expertise needed to evaluate, refine and ultimately realize the promise of quantum computing.”

These recent initiatives reinforce UMD's status as a central hub for quantum innovation, building on more than 35 years of pioneering research in the field, strategic partnerships and a commitment to education and economic development. Learn more at quantum.umd.edu.