The U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the State of Maryland have signed a memorandum of agreement to establish the Capital of Quantum Benchmarking Hub, a major new research center dedicated to testing and evaluating quantum computing prototypes. The Hub will be based at the University of Maryland’s Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS) in College Park, with operations formally launching under DARPA’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI).
Under the agreement, DARPA and Maryland have each committed to matching contributions of up to $100 million over four years, depending on the progress and results achieved. The initiative will leverage Maryland’s growing quantum ecosystem, including its existing “Capital of Quantum” program launched earlier in 2025, and aims to strengthen the state’s role as a global leader in quantum information science.
The Capital of Quantum Benchmarking Hub will serve as an independent facility where DARPA experts and academic collaborators will rigorously assess commercial quantum computing approaches, verifying whether any can achieve utility-scale performance—defined as delivering a computational advantage that outweighs system costs. Nearly 20 companies have been selected to enter the initial phase of QBI, with their proposals to be evaluated through the Hub’s expanded capacity.
University of Maryland President Darryll Pines emphasized the significance of hosting the Hub as part of a broader national commitment to advance quantum science. Governor Wes Moore highlighted the partnership as a strategic investment in Maryland’s economic future, combining research excellence with new industry opportunities. DARPA’s Joe Altepeter, the QBI program manager, framed the new Hub as critical to “distinguishing what’s viable and what’s hype” across emerging quantum technologies.
This new facility complements DARPA’s earlier 2024 agreement with the State of Illinois to launch the Quantum Proving Ground. DARPA has expressed openness to establishing additional state partnerships where robust local quantum programs exist.
For further details, see official announcements from DARPA here, University of Maryland here, Governor Wes Moore’s Office here, and the DARPA Quantum Benchmarking Initiative page here.
April 29, 2025
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