Hoyer, Governor Moore Break Ground on $65 Million ARLIS Headquarters, Bolstering Maryland's Leadership in Quantum Innovation

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) joinedGovernor Wes Moore to celebrate World Quantum Day at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new 110,000-square-foot headquarters for the Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS) at the University of Maryland Discovery District. The $65 million capital project will advance national defense technology and solidify the state's status as a global leader in quantum. The event also highlighted quantum investments in the State's Fiscal Year 2027 budget, which directs tens of millions of dollars to bolster Maryland's Capital of Quantum Initiative, hire specialist faculty members at the University of Maryland, and support ongoing quantum capital projects.

"It was an honor to attend the groundbreaking for the new ARLIS facility at the University of Maryland, a world class institution that continues to lead the way in quantum computing. I was glad to work with the Maryland Congressional Delegation to secure federal funding for advanced research infrastructure at UMD and am thrilled to see the expansion of these initiatives in quantum computing at my alma mater," said Congressman Steny Hoyer. "The continued collaboration among the private sector, government, and our academic institutions is vital to strengthening our national security. I applaud the leadership of the Moore-Miller Administration to ensure Maryland remains at the forefront of innovation in science and technology. We will continue working together to provide investments in Maryland research to shape the future and meet the challenges of our increasingly complex world."

"Quantum is changing the world, and Maryland is the best place in the world to change the world," said Gov. Moore. "By investing in quantum and partnering with ARLIS, the State of Maryland is creating new opportunities for the student with the skills to succeed in this field, uplifting the family that now has access to good-paying work, and supporting the entrepreneurs who will solve some of the world's most pressing challenges."

The new four-story, Class A office development is a partnership with COPT Defense Properties and is scheduled for shell completion in the second quarter of 2027. ARLIS, based in the University of Maryland Discovery District, is one of only 15 U.S. Department of War-designated University Affiliated Research Centers nationwide, and the only one exclusively focused on intelligence and security missions. The lab, which currently employs more than 260 personnel, conducts research in artificial intelligence, information engineering, human systems and quantum applications.

"Emerging technologies like quantum computing are key to the future of our economy and our national security," said Senator Chris Van Hollen. "That's why I've worked alongside Team Maryland to deliver $48 million in federal investments to support the U​niversity of Maryland's ARLIS. The opening of this new ARLIS facility will build on the University of Maryland's great national leadership in the field of quantum computing and advance new solutions to the ever-evolving security challenges our nation faces."

"On World Quantum Day, it is fitting to talk about the strategic imperative of leading in quantum research for both economic growth and national security," said Congressman Glenn Ivey. "At the University of Maryland, College Park, University Affiliated Research Centers like the Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS) are advancing real-world applications that strengthen our defense and intelligence capabilities. I thank Governor Wes Moore and University President Darryll J. Pines for helping make College Park the epicenter of Maryland's capital of quantum innovation right here in the 4th Congressional District. I am proud to be a part of this groundbreaking."

ARLIS has recently forged new partnerships with leading quantum companies that will contribute to its rapidly growing presence as a leader of applied intelligence analysis and quantum science in the defense sector. Last month, IonQ and Canadian-based photonic quantum computer developer Xanadu both announced collaborations with the Maryland Institute for Quantum Applications (MIQA) at ARLIS through the Secretary of the Air Force's Securing Experimental Quantum Computing Usage in Research Environments (SEQCURE) program, a research sprint to align emerging quantum technologies with National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) cybersecurity parameters.

"This new facility reflects ARLIS's ongoing commitment to its mission," said ARLIS Executive Director John Beieler. "It strengthens our ability to bring together researchers, students, and mission partners in a secure, collaborative environment, while reinforcing the work already contributing to the Department of War and Intelligence Community."

Today's groundbreaking coincided with IQM, a global leader in superconducting quantum computers, announcing that they plan to launch their first U.S. Quantum Technology Center in the Discovery District-marking a new milestone in Maryland's push to lead the world in quantum.

"Today's groundbreaking for ARLIS' new facility represents an important milestone for the University of Maryland and our state," said University of Maryland President Darryll J. Pines. "As we grow our footprint and expand our impact as the Capital of Quantum, we are incredibly grateful to Governor Wes Moore for his leadership and investment, which further strengthen Maryland's position as a global leader in quantum technologies."