University of Maryland Named Flagship Academic Partner for Quantum World Congress 2025
UMD Builds on Momentum in the Capital of Quantum
Today, Quantum World Congress (QWC) announced the University of Maryland (UMD) as the official Flagship Academic Partner for its 2025 convening—cementing a multi-year collaboration that has placed UMD at the center of the global quantum conversation and the heart of the rapidly growing Greater Washington ecosystem.
UMD has worked closely with QWC organizers since its launch in 2022, helping to grow the conference into the premiere global event focused on the future of quantum science and innovation. Located just miles from the nation’s capital, inside the Capital Beltway, UMD is a leader in establishing the Greater Washington region as the Capital of Quantum—a place where cutting-edge science, real-world application and global collaboration converge.
“We are not building quantum for the few—we’re building it for the world,” said University of Maryland President Darryll J. Pines. “At the University of Maryland, our mission is to advance the science and the systems—but also the talent and trust that quantum demands to deliver an impact on real people. Our region has become the Capital of Quantum because we are fearless in our research, relentless in our partnerships, and committed to making this technology accessible and responsible."
UMD’s role in shaping the global quantum landscape is unmatched. With two decades of deep federal and industry partnerships, a network of specialized research centers, and a growing pipeline of startups and applied technologies, the university has emerged as a foundational anchor in the next era of scientific advancement. It has further strengthened a highly collaborative ecosystem through the Mid-Atlantic Quantum Alliance, whose membership—comprising industry, government, and academic organizations with substantial quantum assets in the region—has tripled over the past six years to more than 50 members.
In just the last year, developments in UMD’s quantum ecosystem include:
The launch of the Capital of Quantum Initiative, a landmark public-private partnership between UMD and the state of Maryland to catalyze $1 billion in investments and position the state and greater-D.C. region as a global leader in quantum information science and technology.
The creation of the Capital Quantum Benchmarking Hub, a cooperative effort between the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the state of Maryland dedicated to testing and evaluating quantum computing prototypes and systems for national security and commercial applications. The hub will be located in the university’s Discovery District and UMD’s Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS) will serve as a major partner in the initiative.
Plans for new corporate headquarters for IonQ, a leading quantum computing and networking firm founded on UMD research, to be located in a 100,000 square-foot facility in the university’s Discovery District expected to create high-paying and skilled jobs in diverse fields such as construction, software and hardware engineering, operations, applied physics, networking and more.
The expansion of the National Quantum Laboratory (QLAB), a partnership between UMD and IonQ, to provide state-of-the-art quantum computing access to students, faculty, researchers, staff and partners, as well as the appointment of Norbert Linke, a renowned expert in quantum physics, computing and networking, to serve as its new director.
A newly established Vice President for Quantum Research and Education position held by Gretchen Campbell, an internationally recognized researcher and national leader in advancing the field of quantum science, who served most recently as the Director of the National Quantum Coordination Office in the White House’s Office of Science & Technology Policy.
The founding of the Maryland Institute for Quantum Applications at UMD’s ARLIS, dedicated to investigating how quantum technologies can lead to new strategic tools and systems designed to enhance national defense capabilities.
Throughout the three days of QWC, UMD faculty and staff will deliver remarks, facilitate demonstrations and exhibits, and lead panels and discussions on emerging topics such as quantum startups, supply chain, the role of the arts in quantum innovation, and more.
“UMD isn’t just contributing to the quantum ecosystem—they’re helping to architect it,” said George Thomas, President and CEO of Connected DMV, the regional nonprofit that operates Quantum World Congress. “No institution has done more to align research, workforce, and policy around a bold, inclusive vision for quantum. That’s why they are our Flagship Academic Partner for the future we’re building together.”
About Quantum World Congress
Quantum World Congress is where the future of quantum comes into focus.
From life-saving medicines and secure communications to climate forecasting and smarter logistics, quantum technologies are poised to change the world. Quantum World Congress is the first-of-its-kind global exposition and convening series designed to accelerate that future by connecting the entire quantum ecosystem—science, business, government, workforce, education, and investment.
Since its launch in 2022, QWC has hosted delegates from more than 30 countries, with hundreds of speakers across all quantum domains, including Nobel Laureates, national leaders, and top researchers. Programming spans plenary sessions, startup competitions, policy forums, industry showcases, and exclusive global gatherings—including the annual International VIP Dinner hosted at embassies of partner nations.
Held in the Greater Washington region, QWC has helped solidify the area’s reputation as the Capital of Quantum—a place where cutting-edge science, real-world application, and global collaboration converge.
Quantum World Congress 2025 will take place September 16–18 at Capital One Hall in Tysons, Virginia. For more information and to register, visit www.quantumworldcongress.com.
About the University of Maryland
The University of Maryland (UMD) is the state's flagship university driven by a community of more than 50,000 fearless Terrapins. As a leading research university and top 20 public institution, UMD is proud to be part of the Association of American Universities. Dedicated to excellence and impact for the public good, the university is propelled by a $1.4 billion joint research enterprise. UMD is the nation’s first Do Good campus, and is consistently ranked for its innovation, research and top-tier academic programs. Located in the National Capital Region, the university offers an unparalleled student experience with federal internship opportunities, hundreds of academic programs and study abroad options, and top-ranked living-learning programs. Spurred by a culture of innovation and creativity, UMD’s faculty are global leaders in their fields and include Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners and members of the national academies. For more information about the University of Maryland, College Park, visit umd.edu.