Maryland Signed Quantum Tech Deal With South Korea

The partnership aims to link Maryland research with Gyeongsangbuk-do manufacturing to advance quantum development.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Quantum Computing

Bold flat-color editorial illustration showing stylized geometric shapes of industrial silicon wafers, representing a quantum technology partnership. — Maryland and South Korea signed a memorandum of understanding on Tuesday to foster joint research and commercialization in quantum technology. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Maryland Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller and Gyeongsangbuk-do Vice Governor Geum-hee Yang signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on quantum technology. The agreement was finalized at the 2026 Quantum World Congress in College Park.

Why it matters

The deal aims to accelerate quantum technology commercialization by pairing Maryland research strengths with South Korea's robust semiconductor and manufacturing industrial base.

Maryland has secured over $500 million in quantum investments since 2025. This partnership integrates the state's research infrastructure with the semiconductor and manufacturing capabilities of Gyeongsangbuk-do.

The players

Aruna Miller

She serves as the Lieutenant Governor of Maryland and led the state's efforts in finalizing the quantum technology partnership.

Geum-hee Yang

She is the Vice Governor of Gyeongsangbuk-do and represented the South Korean province during the agreement signing.

Maryland Department of Commerce

This state agency supported the development of the international partnership as part of its economic growth strategy.

The details

The collaboration establishes a formal framework for joint research efforts, student exchanges, and technology sharing between the two regions. The initiative seeks to generate new business opportunities and employment prospects for young professionals in both Maryland and Gyeongsangbuk-do.

The Moore-Miller Administration conducted a trade mission to South Korea in 2025.
Maryland launched the Capital of Quantum initiative in 2025.
Maryland and Gyeongsangbuk-do signed the MoU on September 29, 2026.

The Tech Race

This agreement marks the latest international expansion of the Maryland Capital of Quantum initiative, which launched in 2025. It reflects a growing trend of states seeking to pair domestic research hubs with international manufacturing partners to win the global quantum hardware race.

The partnership aims to create future employment opportunities for young professionals in Maryland's burgeoning quantum sector. Residents and students may eventually see increased academic and industry exchange programs resulting from this research framework.

The takeaway

This international alliance highlights how regional governments are actively attempting to bridge the gap between academic innovation and large-scale industrial manufacturing. Interested students and professionals should monitor university research portals for new cross-border exchange opportunities.