Maryland Governor Wes Moore Takes Center Stage at Quantum World Congress to Showcase State's Quantum Leadership
Today, Connected DMV announced that Maryland Governor Wes Moore will deliver a keynote address at Quantum World Congress this September, underscoring the state’s leadership in quantum science and technology.
Maryland has unleashed a series of transformative initiatives positioning the state as a frontrunner in the global quantum race. The state’s Capital of Quantum Initiative, launched in 2024, is designed to channel more than $1 billion in new investment into research infrastructure, commercialization pathways, and workforce training. Anchored by the University of Maryland (UMD), IonQ, and Johns Hopkins and backed by partnerships with DARPA, NIST, US Army, NSF and major private investors, the initiative is reshaping the region’s innovation economy.
“Maryland has moved beyond preparing for quantum's future, it's defining that future," said George Thomas, President and CEO of Connected DMV, producer of Quantum World Congress. “Governor Moore's strategic orchestration of public-private partnerships and investment in quantum talent is accelerating Maryland's transformation into a global quantum powerhouse. His keynote will showcase the blueprint that transforms quantum potential into measurable economic growth and technological leadership.”
Maryland’s Quantum Momentum
DARPA Quantum Benchmarking Hub: Maryland announced a partnership with DARPA to invest $100 million in the state's quantum industry including the Capital Quantum Benchmarking Hub as part of DARPA's Quantum Benchmarking Initiative.
IonQ Discovery District Expansion: IonQ, headquartered in Maryland, is opening a new 100,000-square-foot headquarters and data center in College Park, with support from state and local partners.
Zupnik Hall Quantum Labs: The University of Maryland's new $244 million research facility, funded through strategic state and private partnerships, will house cutting-edge laboratories and significantly expand the institution's already world-leading quantum research capabilities.
Global Quantum Talent Magnet: With 200+ quantum researchers, the University of Maryland maintains one of the world's most formidable quantum research concentrations and continues expanding this advantage through strategic global recruitment of elite quantum scientists and engineers.
APL Quantum Innovation Hub: Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory serves as a national quantum technology bridge, translating cutting-edge research into practical applications including a Department of Energy partnership focused on advanced quantum computing, networking technologies, and breakthrough error correction software systems.
Maryland Institute for Quantum Applications (MIQA): A new center focused on defense and intelligence applications of quantum science, extending UMD’s leadership in quantum computing, networking and sensing. MIQA works in partnership with the Army Research Laboratory Information Sciences Directorate (ARLIS) to accelerate quantum technology development for national security applications.
Quantum Center Ecosystem: Maryland operates the nation's most comprehensive quantum research and innovation network, featuring the Joint Quantum Institute (JQI), Joint Center for Quantum Information and Computer Science (QuICS), Maryland Quantum Materials Center, Laboratory for Physical Sciences (LPS), Quantum Startup Foundry (QSF), and the National Quantum Laboratory (Q-Lab), creating an interconnected ecosystem of specialized centers driving both core research and effective commercialization.
With these assets and investments and its proximity to significant national capabilities, Maryland has established itself as a nexus for discovery, entrepreneurship, and deployment in the quantum era.
Quantum World Congress convenes global innovators across science, industry, and government to accelerate the development and adoption of quantum technologies. Governor Moore’s keynote will highlight Maryland’s momentum and showcase the state’s leadership role in shaping the quantum future.
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About Quantum World Congress
Quantum World Congress is the premier global stage for quantum innovation, convening leaders across industry, government, academia, and capital to accelerate the adoption and commercialization of quantum technologies. Operated by Connected DMV, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, QWC 2025 is produced in collaboration with the Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C) and the Quantum Industry Coalition (QIC). Learn more at quantumworldcongress.com.
Members of the media who are interested in attending can register at quantumworldcongress.com/media.