A new Microsoft quantum research center is joining almost a dozen quantum startups already in the University of Maryland’s Discovery District.
The research center will allow the company’s engineers to collaborate with university community members, bring quantum experts to the state and become a place of collaboration for advanced quantum technologies, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore’s office wrote in a Wednesday news release.
“Maryland is making big bets on the future to grow our economy and drive innovation. Quantum is at the center of that strategy,” the release read.
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Local experts will also be able to use quantum prototypes such as Majorana 1, an innovative quantum chip. The technology could allow breakthroughs in quantum computing years earlier than experts predicted, according to the release.
Microsoft’s decision to open a quantum center in College Park was influenced by Moore’s Capital of Quantum initiative launched in January. The program is providing more than $1 billion in state, private and federal contributions toward quantum research over five years to make Maryland a global leader in the field, a previous news release stated.
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University president Darryll Pines said in a news release the new quantum lab is a landmark moment for the university and the school.
“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,” he said in the release. “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.”
