Governor Newsom Launches “Quantum California” to Cement State’s Leadership in Next-Generation Technology
Berkeley, CA – November 7, 2025 — Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the launch of Quantum California, a groundbreaking statewide initiative aimed at propelling California to the forefront of quantum technology innovation. Unveiled at UC Berkeley—one of the nation’s premier quantum research hubs—the initiative brings together government, academia, industry, and investors to foster job creation, scientific breakthroughs, and sustained technological leadership in the rapidly advancing quantum sector.
California’s Quantum Ambition
“California has always been where the future happens first — from semiconductors to the internet to clean energy,” Governor Newsom said. “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 event marked a new chapter in California’s strategy to align the state’s vast innovation ecosystem—including university researchers, national laboratories, startups, established firms, and government agencies—toward a unified effort to accelerate the development and application of quantum technologies.
The Promise of Quantum Technology
Quantum computing promises to perform calculations in minutes that would take today’s most powerful supercomputers thousands of years—potentially revolutionizing fields such as medicine, artificial intelligence, climate science, and cybersecurity. Complementary quantum sensing technologies aim to drastically enhance precision in measurement and imaging, while quantum communication offers the prospect of unhackable networks.
During the launch event, experts highlighted recent advances and near-term use cases across quantum computing, sensing, networking, and materials and devices. Discussions emphasized how shared infrastructure at California’s national quantum centers and labs could standardize materials, provide secure testbeds, and accelerate prototype development for applications including drug discovery and advanced manufacturing.
California’s Unique Quantum Ecosystem
California is uniquely positioned to lead this next wave of technological innovation. It is the only state hosting both National Science Foundation and Department of Energy quantum research centers, and it produces the nation’s top quantum talent. Prestigious universities—including UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, UCLA, Stanford, and Caltech—rank among the world’s leading artificial intelligence and quantum research hubs.
“Quantum California brings together some of the world’s best researchers, successful businesses, and top state leaders to advance technology, science, and economic strength — and ensure that California remains the world’s innovation hub,” said University of California President James B. Milliken. “From our campuses to our national labs, UC researchers are at the vanguard of quantum breakthroughs, paving the way to a healthier, safer, and more prosperous California. UC is proud to join our partners in this effort.”
Industry leaders such as the Google Quantum AI Campus (affiliated with UC Santa Barbara), Microsoft’s Station Q Lab (UC Santa Barbara), and the Amazon Web Services Center for Quantum Computing (Caltech) also contribute a substantial presence in the state’s quantum ecosystem.
UC Berkeley Chancellor Rich Lyons remarked, “Berkeley is thrilled and honored to be the launchpad for ‘Quantum California.’ Our university excels at what this moment demands: fueling and facilitating the free exchange of ideas between academia, industry, and the government in pursuit of discoveries that will advance the health, well-being, and security of the American people.”
Investing in Quantum Innovation and Workforce Development
The formal launch of Quantum California follows Governor Newsom’s October signing of AB 940, authored by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland). This legislation creates a statewide strategy to convert quantum research into commercial outcomes. Under AB 940, the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) will publish a strategic framework aligned with the California Jobs First Economic Blueprint to foster quantum industry growth across the state.
California’s budget includes a $4 million investment to bolster a talent pipeline, support research and development, and unlock new opportunities in strategic sectors driven by quantum advances.
Dee Dee Myers, Director of GO-Biz and Senior Advisor to Governor Newsom, emphasized, “Quantum California is about turning discovery into opportunity so that our state’s research powerhouses can connect with entrepreneurs and companies to drive real innovation, investment, and job creation. No other place in the world has the ability to bring together this depth of talent, technology, and creativity as a force for economic progress.”
Sustaining California’s Economic Leadership
As one of the world’s largest economies, California continues to lead nationally in business startups, venture capital funding, manufacturing, and agriculture. Its rich scientific and technological heritage, coupled with an expanding population and record-high tourism spending, positions the state to maintain and grow its economic strength through inclusive innovation.
Quantum California symbolizes the state’s commitment to harnessing emerging technologies to fuel economic growth and secure California’s competitive edge well into the future.
For more information about California’s quantum initiatives and strategic efforts, visit the official Quantum California webpage.
