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Microsoft opens Maryland site giving DARPA hands-on access to Majorana 2 quantum chip

A new University of Maryland research center lets DARPA physically test Microsoft's topological quantum hardware for the first time, moving beyond remote access.

newest coverage 16h agosummary written 1d ago8 pieces NewswiresMastodon

What to know

  • Microsoft's Maryland center marks a shift from remote to physical, hands-on DARPA testing of its quantum hardware.
  • DARPA's evaluation, part of its Underexplored Systems for Utility-Scale Quantum Computing program, aims to determine by 2033 whether any quantum approach can be economically feasible.
  • The Majorana 2 chip's error-resistant topological qubit approach has drawn scientific skepticism; independent DARPA testing could help address or confirm those doubts.
  • The 15,000-square-foot center also supports partner labs, workforce training, and future prototype development beyond the DARPA arrangement.

“a completely trusted organization”

Zulfi Alam, Corporate VP, Microsoft Quantum · Channel News Asia ↗ · Sep 21

Zulfi Alam Corporate VP, Microsoft QuantumCharles Tahan Partner, Microsoft QuantumDARPA US Defense Advanced Research Projects AgencyWes MooreWes Moore Governor of Maryland

Microsoft opens Maryland site giving DARPA hands-on access to Majorana 2 quantum chip
Channel News Asia

How it unfolded 2 developments, newest first · click a bar or a number to jump articlesposts

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  1. 2

    Microsoft frames arrangement as discipline for commercialization push

    Microsoft's Zulfi Alam said DARPA's involvement imposes engineering rigor as the company moves from research toward a commercial quantum product, with DARPA evaluating whether computational value outweighs system cost.

    “It enforces a certain amount of engineering rigor that scientific teams normally do not have…”
    — Zulfi Alam, Microsoft Quantum CVP
  2. background

    Independent DARPA testing seen as answer to skeptics of Majorana claims — Coverage noted that Microsoft's Majorana 2 chip has drawn criticism from scientists skeptical of its performance claims, and framed DARPA's independent, on-site testing as a step that could help validate or challenge those claims.

  3. background

    Details emerge on DARPA's evaluation program and facility scope — Reporting detailed that the center houses Microsoft's own research space, partner labs, a DARPA testing area and a training lab, and that Microsoft has advanced to the final stage of DARPA's Underexplored Systems for Utility-Scale Quantum Computing program, part of the broader Quantum Benchmarking Initiative also evaluating the Air Force Research Laboratory, Johns Hopkins APL, and national labs including Los Alamos and Oak Ridge.

  4. 1

    Microsoft opens Maryland quantum center, grants DARPA on-site access

    Microsoft opened its quantum research center in UMD's Discovery District and said it will give DARPA direct, on-site access to a quantum system using its Majorana 2 chip, ending an arrangement where DARPA only accessed machines remotely in Redmond and Europe.

    “This is a big deal for us because it essentially enables DARPA to kick the tires and to sort of figure out how good this machine is and how it's performing…”
    — Zulfi Alam, Microsoft Quantum CVP
    1. 5 outlets Microsoft's quantum research center is open for discovery in Maryland

      first by Microsoft Quantum, 1d ago · also The Quantum Insider, Constellation Research, Reuters, Quartz

      4 more headlines

    2. 1 outlet first by Channel News Asia, 1d ago · read ↗

  5. background

    Microsoft announces Maryland quantum facility a year earlier — Microsoft first announced the University of Maryland facility roughly a year before the September 2026 opening, under Maryland Gov. Wes Moore's state-backed Capital of Quantum Initiative.