Quantum computing firm IonQ is to develop a new facility in Maryland.
Governor Wes Moore this week joined University of Maryland (UMD) president Darryll J. Pines and IonQ CEO Peter Chapman to announce the “Capital of Quantum” Initiative.
Subject to the Governor’s budget being approved, IonQ, an anchor partner in the initiative, will grow its corporate headquarters into a 100,000-square-foot (9,290 sqm) facility with data center, laboratories, and office space within UMD’s Discovery District.
“Investing in quantum computing is investing in Maryland's future,” said IonQ’s Chapman. “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.”
Details on the scope of the data center were not shared.
IonQ also intends to double its corporate headquarters workforce to at least 250 people in the Maryland region over the next five years.
“We are deeply grateful to Gov. Moore for his visionary investment in building a brighter future for Maryland’s economy,” said University of Maryland president Darryll J. Pines. “He recognizes the immense potential of quantum technology and the possibilities we can explore 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.”
Gov. Moore’s FY 2026 budget submission includes $27.5 million as the state’s starting investment toward the initiative; the public-private partnership aims to “catalyze $1 billion in investments to position Maryland as a global leader in quantum information science and technology.”
The Moore-Miller Administration has also committed continued funding for the construction of Zupnik Hall, a new $244 million facility that will feature quantum labs on the University of Maryland campus. The project has secured more than $58 million in private investments and $185.4 million from the state.
“Quantum has the potential to transform every part of our economy and society, from national security to health care,” said Gov. Moore. “With extraordinary assets and partnerships, Maryland can—and should—lead in this new emerging sector, and we are moving forward with a clear strategy to make that vision a reality. Together, we will make Maryland the quantum capital of the world."
NYSE-listed IonQ currently operates a manufacturing site and data center in College Park, Maryland, that launched in 2020.
The company is also developing a second location outside Seattle in Washington, and placing systems at a site in Basel, Switzerland.
This week also saw IonQ announce a new $21.1 million project with the United States Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) to install quantum network infrastructure at the Innovare Advancement Center in Rome, New York.
SEECQ and Quantum Brilliance secure funding
In other quantum news this week, two companies have secured new funding.
SEEQC secured $30 million in funding from Booz Allen Hamilton’s corporate venture capital arm, Booz Allen Ventures, and Japanese-European VC firm NordicNinja, with participation from new backer SIP Capital alongside existing investors EQTVentures, M-Ventures, BlueYardCapital, and FAM.
New York-based SEEQC was founded in 2019 as a spinout of chip firm Hypres. The new funding will help the startup accelerate the commercial rollout of its “quantum computing system on a chip” design and improve its capabilities.
Elsewhere, Australian firm Quantum Brilliance – which is developing room-temperature diamond-based quantum computers – this week announced that it raised $20 million in its Series A funding round.
The round was led by Main Sequence, In-Q-Tel (IQT) in the US, and Intervalley Ventures in Japan. Additional investors include leading Australian sovereign wealth funds National Reconstruction Fund Corporation (NRFC) and Breakthrough Victoria (BV), Alium Capital Management, Investible, and Jelix Ventures.
The company said the investment will enable it to create a quantum diamond foundry, co-develop prototypes in emerging quantum sensing opportunities, advance its IP alongside its semiconductor partners, and fulfill commitments with customers.
