California officials announced the launch of Quantum California at UC Berkeley, a new initiative aimed at bringing together university researchers, industry leaders, and government partners to develop a coordinated strategy for quantum technology innovation and job creation.
Governor Gavin Newsom addressed the event in a video message, stating: “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.”
The launch event was co-hosted by the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), University of California Office of the President, and UC Berkeley. It follows recent legislation signed by Governor Newsom that includes funding designed to keep California at the forefront of quantum research and industry development.
Speakers included Vice President for Research & Innovation Theresa A. Maldonado; Dee Dee Myers, Director of GO-Biz; Nani Coloretti, Cabinet Secretary for Governor Gavin Newsom; Stewart Knox from Labor and Workforce Development Agency; and Nick Maduros from Government Operations Agency.
Quantum technologies have significant potential applications across multiple sectors. Quantum computing could solve complex equations far faster than traditional computers—offering possibilities in drug discovery, artificial intelligence advancement, climate modeling, and more. Quantum sensing may improve how information is gathered about physical environments while quantum communication promises secure data transmission.
During discussions at the event, experts highlighted recent progress in quantum computing hardware and software as well as emerging uses in networking and materials science. They also considered how national labs based in California can provide infrastructure to test prototypes for practical use cases such as advanced manufacturing or medical research.
California holds several advantages in this sector. It hosts both National Science Foundation- and Department of Energy-funded quantum centers. The state’s universities—including UC Berkeley, UCLA, Stanford University (home to five out of fifteen top global AI programs), USC—and private companies like Google’s Quantum AI Campus (UC Santa Barbara affiliation), Microsoft’s Station Q Lab (UC Santa Barbara), and Amazon Web Services Center for Quantum Computing (Caltech) all contribute significantly to ongoing research efforts.
University of California President James B. Milliken 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.”
UC Berkeley Chancellor Rich Lyons added: “Berkeley is thrilled and honored to be the launchpad for ‘Quantum California.’ Our university excels at what this moment demands: fueling…the free exchange of ideas between academia, industry, and government in pursuit of discoveries that will advance…the American people.”
In October 2025 Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill 940 authored by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland). This law establishes a statewide plan overseen by GO-Biz with support from a $4 million budget allocation intended to help grow regional quantum economies through talent development initiatives aligned with state economic goals.
Dee Dee Myers stated: “Quantum California is about turning discovery into opportunity so that our state’s research powerhouses can connect with entrepreneurs…to drive real innovation…and job creation. No other place in the world has…this depth of talent…as a force for economic progress.”
California continues its role as an economic leader nationally—with strengths across business startups venture capital investment manufacturing agriculture tourism—and seeks further growth through strategic investments like those announced under Quantum California.
