ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore, University of Maryland College Park President Darryll J. Pines and IonQ President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Chapman today announced the “Capital of Quantum” Initiative – a landmark public-private partnership that will catalyze $1 billion in investments and cement Maryland as a global leader in quantum information science and technology. The initiative was announced during an event highlighting the governor’s economic growth agenda for the 2025 legislative session.
“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."
The strategic partnership between the State of Maryland, the University of Maryland, private, and federal partners will drive more than $1 billion in investments through a combination of state funds, matching federal grants, private sector investments, and philanthropic contributions over the next five years. The effort will firmly establish the State of Maryland, anchored by the University of Maryland, as one of the world’s top quantum epicenters.
Recognizing Maryland’s unique assets and strategic advantages to grow the state’s quantum science and technology sector, Gov. Moore last month signed an
executive order that identified quantum computing as an industry that the Moore-Miller Administration will prioritize through state investment and support.
Gov. Moore’s FY 2026 proposed budget includes $27.5 million as the state’s initial investment in the Capital of Quantum initiative, which is expected to spur more than $200 million worth of investments from the University of Maryland and partners to support academic, technical, workforce, and ecosystem support. The Moore-Miller Administration has also committed continued funding for the construction of Zupnik Hall, to which the state has committed $185.4 million for a new, state-of-the-art facility that will feature quantum labs on the University of Maryland campus.
“Quantum is science with limitless possibilities, and the next frontier for the State of Maryland," said Lt. Gov. Aruna K. Miller. “Nurturing the brilliant minds of our state and investing in talent right here in Maryland cultivates seeds today that will bear fruits of excellence and innovation for Maryland’s tomorrow. As we continue to lead with our hearts and govern driven by data we keep Maryland solidly ahead of the curve."
“We are deeply grateful to Gov. Moore for his visionary investment in building a brighter future for Maryland’s economy,” said University of Maryland President Darryll J. Pines. “He recognizes the immense potential of quantum technology and the possibilities we can unlock if we work together to position our region as the global Capital of Quantum.”
IonQ – a spinoff of the University of Maryland and a leader in the quantum computing and networking industries – also announced their intention to expand their footprint in Maryland by establishing a new, 100,000 square foot corporate headquarters in the University of Maryland’s Discovery District. The facility will feature a new data center, laboratories, and office space. The expansion, which is supported by a $10 million state investment included in the governor’s FY 2026 budget, would double IonQ's corporate headquarters workforce to at least 250 employees in Maryland over the next five years. This expansion is expected to create high-paying and high-skilled jobs in diverse fields including construction, software and hardware engineers, physicists, technicians, machine operators, and more.
“Through Governor Moore’s strategic economic development initiative and investment in quantum, he is not only supporting cutting-edge research and innovation but fostering economic growth and job creation in the state,” said IonQ President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Chapman. “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.”
The University of Maryland is world renowned as one of the leading universities in quantum technologies with more than 35 years of prior research and development experience. IonQ began its journey as a startup located within the Discovery District at the University of Maryland campus. Many of its employees were educated by the University of Maryland.
IonQ is the first startup from the Discovery District to go public on the New York Stock Exchange and today employs more than 400 people worldwide, with a market capitalization of more than $5 billion dollars. Today’s announcement extends IonQ’s close partnership with both the University of Maryland and the State of Maryland.
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