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This building in the University of Maryland Discovery District will house a development hub for next-generation quantum technologies. (Photo courtesy of Gov. Wes Moore's office)
Microsoft to open quantum research center in MD
Key takeaways:
- Microsoft opening quantum research hub in Maryland Discovery District.
- Center will support collaboration among government, academia and industry.
- Part of Gov. Wes Moore‘s Capital of Quantum Initiative.
- Investment could drive billions into Maryland’s growing quantum ecosystem.
Microsoft will open a quantum research center in the University of Maryland Discovery District, Gov. Wes Moore announced on Wednesday. The center will serve as a development hub for next-generation quantum technologies, according to a news release from the governor’s office.
“Maryland is making big bets on the future to grow our economy and drive innovation. Quantum is at the center of that strategy,” Moore said. “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.”
Government agencies, academic institutions and quantum companies will have early access to Microsoft’s quantum technology through the center. The goal is to help support collaborative hardware and software development between those groups.
The center could also attract experts to the state and provide space for Microsoft engineers to interact and collaborate with the state’s quantum ecosystem, along with students and researchers at the University of Maryland.
“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,” Microsoft Executive Vice President Jason Zander said. “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 January, at IonQ‘s College Park headquarters, Moore launched the Capital of Quantum Initiative. It is a public-private partnership with the state, the University of Maryland and private partners to catalyze more than $1 billion in investments in Maryland’s quantum industry. With an initial $52.5 million investment from Moore’s fiscal year 2026 budget, the University of Maryland and its partners have pledged more than $70 million to strengthen the state’s quantum ecosystem through academics, workforce development and technical support.
Since the launch, 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.
In April, the governor signed a memorandum of agreement between the State of Maryland and DARPA to establish the “Capital Quantum Benchmarking Hub” at the University of Maryland. The agreement formalized 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.
