--- title: About date: 2024-07-10T15:47:00-04:00 author: apccello canonical_url: "https://greatercollegepark.umd.edu/about" section: Pages --- # About **About** Discovery District Maryland is a dynamic hub where research, industry, and community converge to turn bold ideas into real-world impact. Steps from the University of Maryland and anchored in the Capital of Quantum, it’s a vibrant destination where companies, talent, and residents come together to accelerate innovation, drive economic growth, and shape what’s next. *UMD Pines speaks at IonQ about Capital of Quantum initiative.* At Discovery District Maryland, proximity powers possibility. Located between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, with easy accessibility to global transit, it connects major economic centers both close by and remote. With a growing mix of companies, labs, offices, and future residential and retail spaces, the district is designed to support every stage of innovation—from discovery to commercialization. Whether you’re launching a startup, expanding a company, or building a career, Discovery District Maryland offers the access, infrastructure, and momentum to move forward faster, as well as: - access to faculty expertise, talented students for internships, consulting projects, and future employees - support for research projects - conference and recreation facilities - world-class performing arts and NCAA Division I athletic events *Discovery District Map highlighting both the nearby cities of Baltimore, and Annapolis, and adjacent Washington D.C.* - [Download the Discovery District map](https://umd-election.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/images/gcp/border-Discovery-distriction-location-DMV-min_0-1.webp?w=3541&h=3541&auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=crop&dm=1720643321&s=e472c2caccd7c4c4607f5a03e4ad0540) - [Download the Discovery District map](https://umd-election.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/files/gcp/Discovery-distriction-location-DMV.webp?w=3541&h=3541&auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=crop&dm=1720725056&s=1ca42e7f2765bddb3dfa7f0c03f5e5c2) *Image of UMD logo in the middle of an electron orbit signifying it as the epicenter of the Capital of Quantum.* Home to the largest concentration of quantum scientists, the National Quantum Lab (QLab), and the Quantum Startup Foundry, the University of Maryland has grown into a hub for quantum research and development. Fueled by our highly collaborative community of more than 200 scientists, visionaries, and entrepreneurs, industry-shaping leaders like IonQ are making their home here in the [Capital of Quantum.](https://capitalofquantum.com/) *Aerial view of McKeldin Mall* The University of Maryland, College Park is the state's flagship university and one of the nation's preeminent public research universities. A global leader in research, entrepreneurship and innovation, the University is home to more than 41,000 students, 14,000 faculty and staff, and 250 academic programs. Its faculty includes two Nobel laureates, three Pulitzer Prize winners, 60 members of the national academies and scores of Fulbright scholars. > The University of Maryland is the cornerstone of what makes this the nation’s top region for innovation. Maryland is proud to be open for business, and College Park is at the heart of this mission. — Larry Hogan, *Former Governor of Maryland* ## Maryland Research Enterprise at a Glance - **#9** — Amongst public institutions for research and development spending _(National Science Foundation's FY24 Higher Education R&D Survey)_ - **$1.5B** — Combined research expenditures with the University of Maryland, Baltimore _(FY24 NSF Higher Education R&D Survey)_ - **#14** — Overall _(FY24 NSF Higher Education R&D Survey)_ --- ## The University of Maryland at a Glance - **#16** — Public Research Institution _(US News & World Report)_ - **#10** — Top Public Colleges _(Forbes)_ - **#7** — Entrepreneurial undergraduates _(Princeton Review/Entrepreneurship magazine)_ --- - **Amenities & Attractions** - **News & Events**