Maryland's Strategic Quantum Leap Forward: Partnering with DARPA for Economic Growth

Maryland leaps into advanced technologies to secure the interests of the Great State of Maryland and the Union.

Maryland is making a significant move to establish itself as a leader in the unfolding "second quantum revolution" through a strategic partnership with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).

This collaboration, which will create the Capital Quantum Benchmarking Hub in College Park, is a key part of Governor Wes Moore's broader vision for the state's economic future. As noted by the Washington Business Journal, this initiative positions Maryland as the first East Coast quantum hub.

The Capital Quantum Benchmarking Hub, to be housed at the University of Maryland's Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS), is integral to DARPA's Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI). According to DARPA News, the QBI's ambitious goal is to determine if an "industrially useful quantum computer" can be developed by 2033.

The hub will provide independent assessments of commercial quantum computing approaches, helping to distinguish viable technologies from hype, DARPA News reported. Joe Altepeter, DARPA QBI program manager, highlighted the initiative's focus on building a highly qualified independent team for rigorous testing.

This partnership also ties into Maryland's economic strategy. According to Maryland Nonprofits, Governor Wes Moore's first proposed budget was characterized as "intentional and strategic," even in the face of cautious economic outlooks despite a significant state surplus. Maryland Nonprofits noted concerns that the state's economy was underperforming compared to others in areas like income growth, population growth, and unemployment.

Governor Moore's approach, as detailed by Maryland Nonprofits, aimed to deploy the state's surplus "intentionally and strategically," prioritizing expenditures that would enhance future competitiveness. This included focusing on areas like child poverty reduction, education, and transportation.

The investment in the quantum sector aligns with this strategic approach. While the DARPA agreement doesn't guarantee specific funding, it allows for potential matching contributions of up to $100 million each from Maryland and DARPA over four years, contingent on research outcomes.

This is in addition to Maryland's direct investments, including $17.5 million allocated in Governor Moore's 2025-2026 budget for a "capital of quantum initiative" and $10 million to support IonQ Inc.'s new headquarters, as reported by the Washington Business Journal.

Governor Moore has articulated, according to the Washington Business Journal, a goal to unlock over $1 billion in public and private quantum investment in the state over the next five years, emphasizing that leveraging Maryland's assets will drive economic growth and job creation.

Quantum computing has the potential to solve complex problems beyond the reach of current classical computers, with applications in various fields.

However, as highlighted by the Washington Business Journal, uncertainties exist regarding the timeline and impact of this technology, with differing views among experts.

Despite these uncertainties, DARPA's Joe Altepeter stressed the importance of initiatives like the Capital Quantum Benchmarking Hub for the U.S. government to make informed decisions about prioritizing quantum technology development. Recent progress from researchers at institutions in Maryland contributes to optimism about the potential of quantum technology.

The agreement with Maryland is part of a broader DARPA strategy that includes a similar partnership with Illinois, established in 2024. According to DARPA News, these state collaborations are mutually beneficial, providing DARPA with access to advanced R&D facilities and fostering technological and economic development within the participating states. DARPA is open to additional partnerships with states that have established and funded quantum computing initiatives that align with the QBI's goals.

For firms looking to engage with the expanding business ecosystem around quantum computing in Maryland, connecting with a communications and relationship building partner is well advised, according to Pete Kimbis, Managing Director of the Bethesda based communications firm, PKC LLC. PKC LLC was crucial in advancing the U.S. bioeconomy in 2024 through strategic communications to bring precision fermentation to the U.S. government for development under the Distributed Bioindustrial Manufacturing Program (DBIMP), an effort by the Department of Defense to bolster U.S. bioeconomic strengths and fortify defense supply chains through investments in bioindustrial manufacturing, including precision fermentation technologies.

By establishing the Capital Quantum Benchmarking Hub and investing in the quantum sector, Maryland is making a strategic leap to secure its place in the next technological revolution, aiming to drive economic growth and enhance national security through innovation, in line with Governor Moore's intentional and strategic approach to the state's future.

Sources:

[1] Maryland inks agreement with Defense Department to create East Coast quantum hub, Washington Business Journal, April 28, 2025.

[2] DARPA, State of Maryland sign agreement to propel quantum research, DARPA News, April 28, 2025. https://www.darpa.mil/news/2025/agreement-propel-quantum-research

[3] The Next Quantum Revolution, MIT for a Better World, Spring 2024. https://betterworld.mit.edu/spectrum/issues/2024-spring/the-next-quantum-revolution/

[6] “Intentional and Strategic”: A look at Governor Wes Moore's first proposed budget - Action to Care - Maryland Nonprofits. https://marylandnonprofits.org/2023/01/25/intentional-and-strategic-a-first-look-at-governor-wes-moores-first-proposed-budget-action-to-care/

[7] DOD Releases Final Nine Awards for Distributed Bioindustrial Manufacturing Program, Defense.gov, November 14, 2024. https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3965368/dod-releases-final-nine-awards-for-distributed-bioindustrial-manufacturing-prog/