GMU launches quantum computing hub

George Mason University is launching a quantum computing hub meant to develop Virginia’s strengths in the growing industry, the Fairfax County university announced Tuesday.

The Virginia Quantum Hub will work toward establishing Northern Virginia as a critical region for advancements in quantum, which handles an extraordinarily large number of computing processes simultaneously. The hub has three pillars: open-architecture quantum hardware and shared infrastructure; workforce programs; and collaborative tech innovation.

The tech industry has long been working on quantum computers that can achieve more than regular computers can, but IBM, Amazon and Google have all invested more money into research and development recently, suggesting that quantum computing could become a reality soon.

Tuesday marked the Mason hub’s formal launch, although university officials previously spoke to Virginia Business about their plans while they were working with partners to establish the hub. At least $13 million in public and private funding has been committed to help launch the VQH. McKinsey & Co., a global management consulting firm, predicts that quantum computing could generate up to $2.7 trillion in economic value internationally by 2035.