DARPA, State of Maryland Sign Agreement to Propel Quantum Research

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DARPA and the State of Maryland have established a cooperative effort, the Capital Quantum Benchmarking Hub, to test and evaluate quantum computing prototypes and systems for national security and commercial applications.

The Capital Quantum Benchmarking Hub is part of DARPA’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI), which aims to verify and validate which, if any, quantum computing approach can achieve an industrially useful quantum computer by 2033. The Capital Quantum Benchmarking Hub will be based in the University of Maryland’s Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS), a university-affiliated research center.

The effort will help inform DARPA’s benchmarking efforts by providing unbiased assessments of participating commercial companies. “As part of QBI, we are building the world’s largest and most qualified independent quantum computing test and evaluation team so that we can rigorously test commercial approaches to determine what’s viable and what’s hype,” said Joe Altepeter, DARPA QBI program manager. “The Capital Quantum Benchmarking Hub will provide an additional research and testing facility for our experts to evaluate the plans and systems of the quantum computing companies that progress through the QBI program.”

DARPA's collaboration with the State of Maryland does not establish or require specific funding levels. Depending on results achieved, however, DARPA and Maryland have agreed to provide matching contributions of up to $100 million each over a four-year period. The funding will go towards activities that directly support QBI and are connected to the Capital Quantum Benchmarking Hub.

“Today, we write the next chapter in our work to make Maryland the global capital of quantum," said Maryland Gov. Wes Moore. “This new collaboration with DARPA is about leveraging Maryland’s world-class assets to grow our economy, create jobs, and enhance our national security. Together, we will continue to drive innovation through durable partnerships that leave no one behind."

“The University of Maryland is proud to serve as the home of the Capital Quantum Benchmarking Hub and to play a pivotal role in advancing the nation’s quantum future,” said University of Maryland President Darryll J. Pines. “This partnership with DARPA and the State of Maryland underscores our long-standing commitment to cutting-edge research and national security. Together, we are building the infrastructure and expertise needed to evaluate, refine, and ultimately realize the promise of quantum computing.”

The agreement with the State of Maryland is similar to one DARPA made in 2024 with the State of Illinois. The latter established the Quantum Proving Ground, a new facility for QBI quantum testing and evaluation, which will be located at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park on the site of the former U.S. Steel South Works in Chicago.

“State collaborations on QBI are a win-win for DARPA and for state-level tech and economic development,” Altepeter said. “In addition to the world-class national and federal labs we already have access to, we’re also looking to tap into the cutting-edge commercial quantum R&D facilities that states are investing in. By matching state funding with federal support, we’re easing the cost burden while also strengthening our ability to verify and validate a range of quantum computing approaches.”

DARPA is open to partnering with any state on quantum computing if that state has already launched and funded an effort related to quantum computing, and if the specific nature of the state effort has the potential to directly contribute to the goals of QBI.