Quantum Startup Foundry
Energizing innovative companies to bring quantum technologies to market.
UMD is a hub for quantum research and development. Here, over 200 quantum scientists and engineers are exploiting the unique properties of quantum physics to usher in a new age of technology: quantum computers capable of currently impossible calculations, ultra-secure quantum networking and exotic new quantum materials.
Navigating Quantum
TraQtion Program
Connecting entrepreneurial companies with the best type of capital: paying customers. TraQtion is a market accelerator program that leverages UMD quantum centers, the Mid-Atlantic Quantum Alliance (MQA) and other partnerships to connect companies with large government contractors for technology validation and potential customers looking for quantum and quantum-enabling technologies.
Creating the best TraQtion for any business
- Supports early-stage companies in working with larger companies and partners
- Connects startups with partners and customers for market feedback and, ultimately, confirmation of product market fit and technology readiness for deployment
- Solidifies customer requirements and quantum’s unique value proposition to meet those needs
Navigating Quantum
Pre-TraQtion Program
For earlier-stage quantum and enabling technology startups who are looking for grant funding opportunities.
The Pre-TraQtion program helps navigate the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs for specific topics related to quantum technologies.
The Pre-TraQtion cohort 2022 concluded on Oct 19, 2022 with an internal pitch day. All 10 participating startups pitched their companies to a group of investors.
QSF will be hosting the next cohort in 2023
Program Highlights
- Facilitated customer discovery through a quantum-specific I-Corps program
- Register for 2023 Cohort
Research Funding
Every year, eleven federal agencies fund a total of $4 billion in SBIR/STTR. In recent years quantum-related SBIR/STTR funding has grown 19% annually. 60 to 80 quantum-related projects are funded each year, primarily by DoD, NSF, NASA, and DoE.
$4B
in research funding every year
The Capital of Quantum
The Quantum Startup Foundry is conveniently located adjacent to the University of Maryland campus. This space has a combination of offices, conference rooms, and dry labs. It is also connected to the Mid-Atlantic Crossroads(MAX), which provides secure internet connections suitable for large research projects with high bandwidth needs, such as those in quantum. The Quantum Startup Foundry will eventually move to a new development taking place at the gateway to the Discovery District directly across from the main campus entrance at Campus Drive and Baltimore Avenue.
Advisory Board
Fangyu Cao, George Mason University
Geoffrey King, Connected DMV and Potomac Quantum Innovation Center
Dr. Ilya Safro, University of Delaware
George Thomas, Connected DMV and Potomac Quantum Innovation Center
John Joaquin, EY
Denise Ruffner, VP, Chief Business Officer, Atom Computing and Women in Quantum
Gloria Jacobovitz, Johns Hopkins University / Applied Physics Lab
Denis Mandich, CTO | Qrypt
Alan Salari, Founder, Quaxys
Sydney J. Ulvick, Lockheed Martin
John Sawyer, Interim Executive Director, Mid Atlantic Quantum Alliance
Karen Hathaway Viani, The MITRE Corporation
Partners
Mid-Atlantic Quantum Alliance
Quantum Technology Center
Potomac Quantum Innovation Center
DC I-Corps
ionQ
News & Events
$300M, mixed use development announced in UMD's Discovery District, to become the home of quantum.
DMV leaders came together to formally launch the Steering Committee of the Potomac Quantum Innovation Center (PQIC) with the goal of accelerating Greater Washington’s path to becoming a regional quantum innovation hub.
IonQ closed business combination with dMY Technology Group III and listed on public market to begin trading on NYSE under ticker “IONQ” on October 1, 2021.
About UMD
The University of Maryland (UMD) is widely recognized as one of the top global quantum powerhouses, as well as a leading driver of innovation and entrepreneurship. As the organizers of the Mid-Atlantic Quantum Alliance (MQA), UMD has created the largest regional quantum expertise collective in the world.