October 2021

Last month, the University of Maryland and IonQ announced a partnership to create the National Quantum Lab (Q-Lab), which will be based in the Discovery District. The Q-Lab will be the nation's first user facility that enables the scientific community to pursue world-leading research through hands-on access to a commercial-grade quantum computer. UMD-affiliated students, faculty, researchers, staff and partners across the country will have an unprecedented opportunity to gain experience with IonQ's industry-leading trapped-ion quantum computer hardware and collaborate with IonQ scientists and engineers. Read more about the Q-Lab. 

On Friday, October 1, IonQ because the first pure play quantum computing company listed on the New York Stock Exchange. UMD leadership was invited to join IonQ as they rang the bell at the New York Stock Exchange, memorializing this momentous occasion. This celebratory event was a banner moment in the history of the Discovery District, the University of Maryland and everyone involved with IonQ. Read more about IonQ going public. 

A few weeks later, the Discovery District hosted the inaugural Quantum Investment Summit, a day and a half event that brought together founders, innovators, investors, industry leaders, university administrators, faculty and futurists from around the world. During the summit, University of Maryland President Darryll Pines announced the creation of the Discovery Fund, which will support innovative companies and startups based in College Park and throughout Prince George's County with up to $1 million a year from the university. Read more about the new Discovery Fund.