The University of Maryland (UMD) has announced the grand opening of the National Quantum Laboratory (QLab) in partnership with IonQ, a leader in the quantum computing industry. QLab provides researchers, students, and professionals with direct access to cutting-edge quantum computers. Located in UMD’s Discovery District, QLab aims to build the next generation of quantum talent and innovations, establishing the region as the Capital of Quantum.
With a nearly $20 million investment, QLab is already attracting researchers, students, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and others to explore how quantum computers can enhance machine learning and AI, materials discovery, supply chain logistics, climate modeling, cybersecurity, and more. As a node in the Mid-Atlantic Regional Quantum Internet (MARQI), QLab is accelerating the development of quantum networking capabilities.
President Darryll J. Pines states, “QLab spikes our competitiveness factor for the state and our region as we attract innovators from all over the world to work with us and share resources.” UMD is a leading institution of quantum science and engineering, working closely with federal agencies and labs. The university boasts more than 200 quantum researchers, eight quantum-focused centers, and a comprehensive suite of quantum education offerings.
QLab is an extension of UMD’s partnership with IonQ, a company partially founded on UMD research. IonQ’s CEO, Peter Chapman, emphasizes the importance of collaboration between industry and academia in advancing quantum research and development and looks forward to achieving an advanced quantum system with significant advantages over classical computing.
The Mid-Atlantic Quantum Alliance (MQA) enables strong regional collaborations, and IonQ will be sharing new quantum computing developments at the Quantum World Congress happening on September 27-28.
Source: University of Maryland