IonQ, a leader in the quantum computing and networking industries, announced a partnership with the University of Maryland and the State of Maryland to establish Maryland as the silicon valley of the quantum computing industry. And the proposed initiative will aim to fuel the growing quantum economy of the U.S. capitol region, offer access to IonQ’s cutting-edge quantum technology, and dramatically strengthen Maryland’s workforce with new quantum-focused jobs.
As part of the announcement of the Capital of Quantum initiative’s goal of catalyzing over $1 billion in investments towards Maryland becoming the “Capital of Quantum,” IonQ intends to anchor a state-of-the-art quantum intelligence campus based at the University of Maryland at College Park.
Subject to available incentives and the enactment of Governor Wes Moore’s FY 2026 budget, IonQ will also grow its corporate headquarters into a 100,000-square-foot facility with a data center, laboratories, and office space within the Discovery District at the University of Maryland. And IonQ plans to double its corporate headquarters workforce to at least 250 people in the Maryland region over the next five years.
After approved by the legislature and documented between the parties, is expected to create high-paying and skilled jobs in diverse fields such as construction, software and hardware engineering, operations, applied physics, networking, etc.
IonQ, the University of Maryland, and others plan to work on developing state-of-the-art quantum computers and quantum networking to build the next generation of computing and the ultra-secure Quantum Internet. And IonQ intends to work with the University of Maryland to create course materials for Maryland high school students interested in learning about quantum technologies.
The $1 billion Capital of Quantum initiative focuses on expanding the availability of quantum computing and networking to academia, industries, government, and researchers to solve some of the world’s biggest problems. And subject to State of Maryland budget approval and agreement between the parties, IonQ will become the anchor partner to this initiative delivering on Gov. Moore’s vision, and will be joined on the quantum intelligence campus by leading researchers from the top quantum initiatives throughout the U.S. government.
The University of Maryland is renowned as one of the leading universities in quantum technologies, with over 35 years of prior research and development experience. And IonQ started 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 within the Discovery District to go public on the New York Stock Exchange and now employs over 400 people worldwide. This announcement will extend IonQ’s already close partnership with the University of Maryland and the State of Maryland and offer the company a key advantage in pursuing government contracts and partnerships, given the campus’s proximity to federal and state governments in Washington, D.C., and Annapolis, MD, respectively.
KEY QUOTES:
“Investing in quantum computing is investing in Maryland’s future. Through Governor 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.”
– Peter Chapman, President and CEO of IonQ
“Quantum information science has the potential to transform every sector, from national security to healthcare. With our wealth of talent, federal partners, and the world-class research universities here in Maryland, we have both the opportunity and the responsibility to seize this moment and become the world’s leading hub for quantum innovation.”
– Gov. Moore
“We are deeply grateful to Governor 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 unlock 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.”
– University of Maryland President Darryll J. Pines
