From The Banner · Jack Hogan,Lee O. Sanderlin · · 2m
Maryland Quantum Computing Conference
Maryland aims to lead quantum computing with $1 billion goal by 2030.
In brief
Maryland aims to lead quantum computing with $1 billion goal by 2030. Maryland has attracted $500 million in pledged quantum investments and nearly a dozen startups since Gov. Wes Moore set a $1 billion goal in 2025. Originally reported by The Banner.
Quantum World Congress
Maryland hosted the highest-attended Quantum World Congress in College Park after three years in Tysons, Virginia, and D.C.
“The conference, held for the first time in College Park after convening for the past three years in Tysons, Virginia, and D.C., attracted delegations from more than 30 countries.”
Gov. Wes Moore's Quantum Vision
Gov. Wes Moore called quantum computing the future of job growth and economic prosperity in Maryland.
“I want Maryland to be the global pathway of quantum.”
Quantum Computing Explained
Quantum computers solve problems faster than traditional computers by evaluating all routes simultaneously for logistics.
“While traditional computers might identify the best shipping route by examining each option one by one, a quantum computer could evaluate all routes simultaneously and identify the most efficient one much more quickly, saving time and money.”
Quantum Computing Basics
Quantum computers use qubits that can be 0, 1 or a mix of both values, enabling faster computations.
“Quantum computers rely on quantum bits, known as "qubits," which can be 0, 1 or a mix of the two values.”
Quantum Computing Progress
Quantum computers have improved from two qubits 20 years ago to hundreds or thousands today.
“Twenty years ago, researchers could work with two qubits at a time. Now it’s hundreds, maybe thousands, Linke said.”
Quantum Computing Challenges
Quantum computers make one error every 1,000 operations, but traditional computers make one error every quintillion calculations.
“The best quantum computers make an error once every 1,000 operations, according to the National Institute of Standards and Technology.”
Maryland's Quantum Strategy
Maryland aims to attract $1 billion in quantum investments by 2030 through the Capital of Quantum initiative.
“This is not a fad. This is a commitment.”
Quantum Investments in Maryland
Maryland has attracted $500 million in pledged investments and nearly a dozen quantum startups since Gov. Wes Moore set a $1 billion goal in 2025.
“Since Moore announced the $1 billion goal in early 2025, the state and the University of Maryland have attracted about $500 million in pledged investments and nearly a dozen quantum startups have set up shop in Discovery District, according to the governor’s office.”
Quantum Companies in College Park
IonQ, headquartered in College Park, anchors Discovery District with a quantum computing hub.
“The leading quantum computing company IonQ, headquartered in College Park, helps anchor Discovery District.”
Quantum Research Partnerships
University of Maryland partnered with NIST in 2006 to establish a quantum research institute.
“UMD has been researching the field for more than 35 years. The university partnered with NIST in 2006 to establish a quantum research institute on campus.”
Quantum Industry Competition
Maryland competes with states like California, Illinois, Colorado, Massachusetts and New York for quantum industry leaders.
“Maryland is competing with states within the region and across the country as it pushes to secure industry leaders and investors. The quantum industry has also gravitated to California, Illinois, Colorado, Massachusetts and New York.”
Quantum Hub Expansion
Maryland secured a $100 million matching grant with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency for quantum facilities.
“The state has recently announced an agreement with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency for up to $100 million in matching grant funding and expansions of quantum facilities in College Park, including a new Microsoft research center.”
Regional Quantum Collaboration
Maryland and Northern Virginia plan to collaborate on quantum marketing to boost regional economic development.
“It’s almost like we’re bookending this incredible region.”
The headline
Maryland has attracted $500 million in pledged quantum investments and nearly a dozen startups since Gov. Wes Moore set a $1 billion goal in 2025.
