Is Maryland’s big bet on quantum computing paying off?

The world of quantum computing — the emerging technology industry that Gov. Wes Moore has called the future of job growth and economic prosperity in Maryland — descended on College Park this week for the three-day Quantum World Congress.

The conference, held for the first time in College Park after convening for the past three years in Tysons, Virginia, and D.C., attracted delegations from more than 30 countries. Organizers said this year’s conference was by far the best attended.

Maryland’s quantum computing champions, Moore chief among them, say the state is at the forefront of the national conversation about the burgeoning industry.

Quantum computers could quickly solve problems that might take traditional computers years to complete, potentially unlocking innovation across supply chain logistics, encryption, medicine and more.

“I want Maryland to be the global pathway of quantum,” Moore said Thursday during his prepared remarks at the conference.

As nations and states compete to attract the companies that may one day develop quantum for everyday commercial and industrial uses, the conference has provided state and local officials an opportunity to pitch Maryland as a leading industry hub to thousands of researchers, executives and investors from around the world.