Quantum computing has the potential to open our digital world up to novel experiences and functionality. It is capable of solving problems by factoring in various possibilities at once as opposed to conventional computers that are only capable of solving problems in a simple and linear manner. The vast potential of quantum technology has garnered the attention of both private and public sector investors, seeking to leverage this technology to improve nationwide networks and cybersecurity.
Notably, Chattanooga recently became the first city in the United States to establish a quantum computing network. This Tennessee tech hub will be adding a quantum computer center through a partnership between IonQ and EPB.
Niccolo de Masi, IonQ’s President, expects this development to be immensely beneficial for Tennessee and the United States at large because there are “almost no observers that don’t believe the future of the internet and cybersecurity runs right through quantum networking.” Establishing robust quantum computing centers is thus vital for the advancement of domestic technological progress and maintaining a lead in global innovation.
Beyond the purported technological benefits, de Masi also asserts that the quantum computing center will “create the next generation of jobs” via raising “a whole new 5, 10, 20, 30 years of recruits who are learning to use quantum computers and quantum networks early enough in their career so they can pioneer and build businesses.” The center is also estimated to generate $1-2 trillion in revenue over the next decade.
De Masi’s IonQ is based in College Park, Maryland, which is another city at the epicenter of quantum R&D. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has selected the Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS) at the University of Maryland, College Park to host its Capital Quantum Benchmarking Hub.
Joe Altrepeter, DARPA QBI’s program manager, states that the goal of the QBI is to build “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”. Standard evaluation and benchmarking procedures ensure that new quantum technologies designed for commercial use lie at the cutting edge of efficiency and innovation.
The QBI will spur Maryland’s quantum computing research by aiding in the evaluation and development of preexisting quantum programs, with the University of Maryland specifically boasting 200 quantum scientists and engineers. Maryland Governor Wes Moore has proclaimed that this durable partnership will further the States’ efforts towards making “Maryland the global capital of quantum”, elevating national security and local economies as a result.
Maryland is certainly on pace to become the “global capital of quantum”, though it is currently not the most dominant regional player in the quantum industry. According to PSF’s Emerging Tech Ecosystem market research dashboard, the DC Metro area currently ranks as the third Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) with the most quantum science and technology vendors (54). It is beaten out by the New York/New Jersey (61) and Maine/New Hampshire (61) MSAs. It also ranks third in total capital expenditures towards quantum R&D ($925M), and is dwarfed by the Denver/Aurora MSA ($1.9B) and the Seattle/Tacoma (5.9B) MSAs.
In conclusion, commercial quantum computing is rapidly transitioning from a theoretical possibility to practical implementation, with cities like Chattanooga and College Park emerging as pivotal hubs in this technological revolution. Strategic investments from both the public and private sectors are laying the foundation for quantum networks, research, and workforce development that will shape the digital infrastructure of the future. As competition intensifies across regions, maintaining momentum in innovation and collaboration will be key to securing national leadership in this transformative field.