Microsoft will open a quantum research center in the University of Maryland’s Discovery District, advancing Maryland Gov. Wes Moore’s goal to make the state a global leader in quantum information science and technology.
“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 in a statement. “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.”
Through the new center, Microsoft will provide early access to the Washington-based company’s quantum technology, such as the Majorana 1 quantum chip, which aims to support more commercially scalable quantum systems.
“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 in a statement. “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.”
Based at the Discovery District research park in Riverdale, just outside the university’s College Park main campus, the center will also foster collaborations among Microsoft engineers, government agencies, and University of Maryland students and researchers.
University of Maryland President Darryll J. Pines described the center’s launch as a “landmark moment” for his institution and all of Maryland.
“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,” Pines said in a statement. “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. We are proud to work alongside Gov. Moore, Microsoft and our federal partners to drive the next wave of quantum breakthroughs—and to do it right here in College Park.”
In January, Moore launched a public-private partnership called the Capital of Quantum Initiative, which brings together the state of Maryland; the University of Maryland, College Park; and private partners to invest more than $1 billion in Maryland’s quantum industry.
Funding includes $52.5 million as part of Moore’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget, as well as more than $70 million that the University of Maryland and its partners committed to bolstering the state’s quantum ecosystem, including academics, workforce development, and technical support.
Nearly a dozen quantum startups have joined the Discovery District since the launch of the Capital of Quantum Initiative. Quantum computing hardware and software company IonQ, which is headquartered in College Park, has announced three mergers with quantum and aerospace firms.
Then, in April, Moore signed a memorandum of agreement between the state of Maryland and the federal Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to create the “Capital Quantum Benchmarking Hub” at the University of Maryland. The hub will test and evaluate quantum information science technology.Microsoft is one of two companies that are part of the most advanced phase of DARPA’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative – the other being California-based quantum computing company PsiQuantum.
