Governor Gavin Newsom Unveils “Quantum California” to Propel State’s Leadership in Next-Generation Technology
BERKELEY, CA — On November 7, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the launch of “Quantum California,” a groundbreaking statewide initiative designed to solidify and expand California’s leadership in the emerging field of quantum technology. The announcement took place at the University of California, Berkeley, home to one of the nation’s two premier quantum research hubs.
Quantum California seeks to unify government agencies, academic institutions, industry leaders, investors, and national laboratories under a shared strategy to accelerate quantum innovation, nurture a skilled workforce, and drive job creation throughout the state. The initiative closely aligns with California’s longstanding reputation as a global incubator of technological revolutions — from semiconductors and the internet to clean energy solutions.
“California has always been the place where the future happens first,” Governor Newsom stated. “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.”
A Collaborative Effort for Innovation and Economic Growth
The event was co-hosted by the Governor’s Office, the Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), the University of California Office of the President, and UC Berkeley. Together, these partners aim to synchronize research, funding, and industry expertise to maintain California’s dominance in critical and fast-evolving quantum technologies.
This announcement follows recently signed legislation and budget allocations aimed at bolstering the state’s quantum industry, research, and development. Assembly Bill 940, authored by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland), mandates the creation of a statewide strategic framework to transform California’s quantum research into tangible industry outputs. Coupled with a $4 million state investment, the initiative will support a robust talent pipeline, spur further R&D, and unlock new opportunities across various sectors.
Quantum Technology: A Game-Changer for Medicine, Environment, and Security
Quantum computing promises unprecedented processing power, capable of solving complex problems in minutes that conventional computers would take millennia to tackle. Potential applications include accelerating drug discovery, enhancing artificial intelligence, combating climate change, and modeling intricate systems across multiple disciplines. Additionally, quantum sensing offers revolutionary capabilities in imaging and detection, while quantum communication could enable unhackable, ultra-secure networks.
California’s quantum centers, national labs, and “quantum foundries” will provide shared infrastructure and secure testing environments, standardizing materials and devices to expedite prototype development and deployment for critical applications such as advanced manufacturing and national security.
California’s Unique Position and World-Class Ecosystem
California is uniquely equipped to lead the quantum revolution. It hosts both of the nation’s National Science Foundation and Department of Energy quantum research centers. The state produces the country’s top quantum talent and serves as headquarters for leading quantum companies. Notably, five of the world’s top fifteen artificial intelligence programs reside at California institutions including UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, UCLA, Stanford, and Caltech.
University of California President James B. Milliken emphasized the initiative’s importance: “Quantum California brings together some of the world’s best researchers, most successful businesses, and top state leaders to advance technology, science, and economic strength — and ensure that California remains the world’s innovation hub.” He further noted the University of California’s ongoing quantum breakthroughs that pave the way toward a healthier, safer, and more prosperous future.
UC Berkeley Chancellor Rich Lyons expressed pride in hosting the launch event, stating, “Our university excels at what this moment demands: fueling and facilitating the free exchange of ideas between academia, industry, and the government to advance discoveries that will benefit the American people.”
Key industry partners include the Google Quantum AI Campus (UC Santa Barbara), Microsoft’s Station Q Lab (UC Santa Barbara), and the Amazon Web Services Center for Quantum Computing (Caltech).
Investing in California’s Economic Future
Quantum California fits within the broader context of Governor Newsom’s California Jobs First Economic Blueprint, which prioritizes emerging technology sectors as engines of sustainable economic growth. Through strategic legislation, funding, and cross-sector coordination, the state aims to convert scientific breakthroughs into real-world economic benefits, including high-quality jobs and increased innovation capacity.
Dee Dee Myers, Senior Advisor to Governor Newsom and Director of GO-Biz, highlighted the initiative’s potential impact: “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.”
About California’s Economy
Known as a national and global economic powerhouse, California leads the country in new business startups, venture capital funding, manufacturing, and agriculture. With an expanding population and record tourism, the state’s economy continues to grow across diverse regions and sectors—underscoring its enduring role as both an innovation hub and inclusive economic leader.
For more information about California’s efforts to advance the quantum sector, visit the official California government website.
