California officials and academic leaders gathered at the University of California, Berkeley, to announce the launch of Quantum California, a new statewide initiative aimed at advancing quantum technology and job creation. The event marked the start of a coordinated effort involving university researchers, industry leaders, and government agencies to position California as a leader in next-generation quantum innovation.
Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized California’s historic role in technological advancement. “California has always been the place where the future happens first – everything from semiconductors to the internet to clean energy. With Quantum California, we’re ensuring the next revolution in technology starts here, too. Quantum computing, sensing, and communication will transform the world as we know it, and California will lead the way, creating jobs, advancing discovery and securing our technological edge for decades to come,” said Newsom.
The initiative is co-hosted by the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), alongside UC Office of the President and UC Berkeley. It follows recent legislation signed by Governor Newsom that allocates funding intended to maintain state leadership in quantum research and industry development.
Participants included Vice President for Research & Innovation Theresa A. Maldonado; Dee Dee Myers, Director of GO-Biz; Nani Coloretti, Cabinet Secretary for Governor Newsom; Stewart Knox from the Labor and Workforce Development Agency; and Nick Maduros from Government Operations Agency.
Quantum computing promises to solve complex problems far beyond current computational capabilities—potentially benefiting fields like medication discovery, artificial intelligence development, climate modeling, and advanced manufacturing. At the event, experts discussed recent breakthroughs in quantum technologies such as computing hardware, sensing devices that could enhance scientific observation methods, secure networking protocols using quantum principles for data transmission security, as well as materials research with potential industrial applications.
Officials also highlighted how existing resources—such as national quantum centers hosted within California universities—can provide infrastructure for testing prototypes relevant to drug discovery or advanced manufacturing processes.
James B. Milliken, President of University of California said: “Quantum California brings together some of the world’s best researchers, most successful businesses, and top state leaders to advance technology, science, and economic strength — and ensure that California remains the world’s innovation hub… UC is proud to join our partners in this effort.”
Major companies involved in quantum research have facilities linked with prominent Californian institutions—including Google Quantum AI Campus (with UC Santa Barbara), Microsoft’s Station Q Lab (UC Santa Barbara), Amazon Web Services Center for Quantum Computing (Caltech), among others.
UC Berkeley Chancellor Rich Lyons commented: “Berkeley is thrilled and honored to be the launchpad for ‘Quantum California… fueling and facilitating the free exchange of ideas between academia, industry, and government in pursuit of discoveries that will advance… health… well-being… security…”
Legislation signed by Governor Newsom includes Assembly Bill 940 by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland). The bill mandates GO-Biz to create a strategic framework aligned with an Economic Blueprint designed to expand quantum economic activity throughout different regions. This is supported by $4 million from state funds intended for talent development pipelines along with fostering research collaborations across sectors.
Dee Dee Myers stated: “Quantum California is about turning discovery into opportunity so that our state’s research powerhouses can connect with entrepreneurs and companies to drive real innovation… No other place in the world has [this] depth of talent… technology… creativity as a force for economic progress.”
California continues its position as one of America’s largest economies—leading not only in technological advancements but also business startups and access to venture capital funding while maintaining growth across multiple industries.
