Maryland Gov. Wes Moore joined University of Maryland President Darryll J. Pines and IonQ President and CEO Peter Chapman on Tuesday to announce a $1 billion public-private partnership.
The initiative aims to position Maryland as a global leader in quantum information science and technology. The “Capital of Quantum” initiative was introduced at an event highlighting Moore’s 2025 economic growth agenda held at IonQ, a leading quantum computing and networking firm founded on UMD research and headquartered in the university’s Discovery District. Moore said, “Quantum has the potential to transform every part of our economy and society, from national security to health care.
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.”
The strategic partnership aims to unlock more than $1 billion in investments over the next five years. Moore’s FY26 budget submission includes $27.5 million as the state’s initial investment toward the Capital of Quantum initiative, which is expected to spur more than $200 million in University of Maryland and partner investments.
The Moore-Miller administration has also committed continued funding for constructing Zupnik Hall, a new $244 million state-of-the-art facility that includes more than $58 million in private investments and $185.4 million from the state, and which will add more quantum labs to the UMD campus.
Maryland’s quantum leadership initiative
Pines said, “We are deeply grateful to Gov.
Moore for his visionary investment in building a brighter future for Maryland’s economy. He recognizes the immense potential of quantum technology and the possibilities we can explore if we work together to position our region as the global Capital of Quantum. We look forward to collaborating with the governor’s office and regional partners to ensure that this investment yields lasting benefits for all Marylanders.”
With the launch of the Capital of Quantum Initiative, the University of Maryland will move forward with plans to recruit top quantum scientists and engineers, expand access to the National Quantum Laboratory (QLab), hire test and evaluation experts, create additional facilities to house an expanded Quantum Startup Foundry, and launch education, outreach, and training initiatives.
Subject to the governor’s budget being approved, IonQ will grow its corporate headquarters into a 100,000-square-foot facility with a data center, laboratories, and office space within UMD’s Discovery District. IonQ also intends to double its corporate headquarters workforce to at least 250 people in the Maryland region over the next five years. Chapman said, “Through Gov.
Moore’s strategic economic development initiative and proposed investment in quantum, he is not only supporting cutting-edge research and innovation but fostering economic growth and job creation in the state. The governor’s commitment is a testament to his vision for the pivotal role that quantum science will play in the state’s economic development and technological leadership. This investment will also enhance our collaboration with the University of Maryland to solidify the region as a global leader in quantum innovation.”
Noah Nguyen is a multi-talented developer who brings a unique perspective to his craft. Initially a creative writing professor, he turned to Dev work for the ability to work remotely. He now lives in Seattle, spending time hiking and drinking craft beer with his fiancee.
