Maryland Breaks Ground on $65 Million ARLIS Headquarters, Solidifying Quantum Innovation Leadership

Annapolis, MD – Governor Wes Moore marked World Quantum Day by participating in the groundbreaking ceremony for a new $65 million headquarters for the Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS) at the University of Maryland Discovery District. This significant capital project, spanning 110,000 square feet, is poised to advance national defense technologies and further cement Maryland’s position as a global leader in quantum innovation. The initiative is also supported by substantial investments outlined in the State’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget, which allocates tens of millions of dollars to bolster the state’s Capital of Quantum Initiative, recruit specialized faculty for the University of Maryland, and sustain ongoing quantum capital projects.

The new four-story facility, a collaboration with COPT Defense Properties, is anticipated to be completed in its shell form by the second quarter of 2027. ARLIS, already a fixture in the University of Maryland Discovery District, holds a unique distinction as one of only 15 University Affiliated Research Centers designated by the U.S. Department of War nationwide, and notably, it is the sole center exclusively dedicated to intelligence and security missions. The laboratory currently employs over 260 individuals and engages in research across critical fields such as artificial intelligence, information engineering, human systems, and quantum applications.

The ongoing investments in quantum technology are recognized as crucial for both economic growth and national security. The new ARLIS facility is expected to build upon the University of Maryland’s established leadership in quantum computing, fostering the development of novel solutions to address the evolving security challenges faced by the nation. This expansion signifies a commitment to enhancing advanced research infrastructure and promoting innovation in a complex and rapidly changing global landscape. The continued collaboration between the private sector, government entities, and academic institutions is considered vital to strengthening national security and maintaining Maryland’s forefront in scientific and technological advancements.

Recent developments have seen ARLIS forge new partnerships with prominent quantum companies, contributing to its expanding role as a leader in applied intelligence analysis and quantum science within the defense sector. Collaborations with IonQ and Xanadu, a Canadian-based photonic quantum computer developer, have been established through the Secretary of the Air Force’s Securing Experimental Quantum Computing Usage in Research Environments (SEQCURE) program. This program focuses on aligning emerging quantum technologies with National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) cybersecurity parameters, underscoring the practical applications being explored. The new ARLIS facility is intended to enhance the lab’s capacity to convene researchers, students, and mission partners in a secure and collaborative environment, thereby reinforcing its contributions to the Department of War and the Intelligence Community.

The groundbreaking for the ARLIS headquarters coincides with the announcement by IQM, a prominent global leader in superconducting quantum computers, of its plans to establish its first U.S. Quantum Technology Center within the Discovery District. This development represents another significant step in Maryland’s ambition to lead the world in quantum technology. Since the launch of the Capital of Quantum Initiative in January 2025, a strategic partnership designed to unlock over $1 billion in combined state, federal, and private quantum investments, the state has successfully secured more than $500 million to advance quantum innovation. Additional agreements made over the past year include a pact between the State of Maryland and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) that provides up to $100 million in matching grants for state and private quantum investments, as well as the establishment of Microsoft’s Partner Integration Center in the University of Maryland’s Discovery District.

Residents of Maryland can anticipate that these investments are aimed at creating new opportunities for individuals with skills in emerging fields, fostering access to well-paying jobs, and supporting entrepreneurs working on solutions to critical global challenges. The state’s focus on quantum innovation is projected to have a tangible impact on both economic development and national security, positioning Maryland as a central hub for cutting-edge research and technological advancement.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from The Office of Governor Wes Moore

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