The QSF at the U. of Maryland brings together the resources needed—physical and virtual—to support entrepreneurs and startups in accelerating quantum technologies’ time to market. QSF will bring entrepreneurs together with industry and government customers, investors, technical mentors, leading-edge research and IP, and quantum-specific infrastructure (equipment, tools, facilities). Located in the Washington, DC metro area, QSF offers the perfect landing and launch spot for quantum companies. 

Quantum can be for us what silicon was for Silicon Valley. This is that big play for the state of Maryland and this entire region.

TraQtion Program:

Connecting entrepreneurial companies with the best type of capital: paying customers. TraQtion is a market accelerator program that leverages UMD quantum centers, the Mid-Atlantic Quantum Alliance (MQA) and other partnerships to connect companies with large government contractors for technology validation and potential customers looking for quantum and quantum-enabling technologies.

Pre-TraQtion Program:

For earlier-stage quantum and enabling technology startups who are looking for grant funding opportunities. The Pre-TraQtion program helps navigate the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs for specific topics related to quantum technologies.

TraQtion Program

Creating the best TraQtion for any business

By partnering with prime contractors and directly accessing customer needs through regional TechBridge programs, TraQtion:

• Supports early-stage companies in working with larger companies and partners
• Connects startups with partners and customers for market feedback and, ultimately, confirmation of product market fit and technology readiness for deployment
• Solidifies customer requirements and quantum’s unique value proposition to meet those needs
• Provides partners with access to a pipeline of promising technology startups

Pre-TraQtion Program

Program Highlights

• Facilitated customer discovery through a quantum-specific I-Corps program
• Connect with program officers through QSF partners with the goals of understanding their specific wants and needs
• Matchmaking with potential research and support partners (academic and/or corporate)
• Assistance with setting up and writing your SBIR application
• Assistance with setting up back-office support for government grants such as SBIR/STTR’s
• Simplified letter of support request process
• Access quantum-specific market and commercialization assessment assistance
• Leverage other regional quantum ecosystem efforts
• Office space (for an additional fee, can be contingent on award)
• Access to select campus facilities such as 3D printing and the NanoCenter cleanroom (additional fees may apply)

"Our startup would not likely have been possible at other universities"
Chris Monroe
Co-founder of IonQ, College Park Professor

30+Years of quantum research at UMD

200+Researchers, one of the greatest concentrations in the world

200+Publications per year

#2Among public institutions in quantum physics

100+Graduates in 10 years with Ph.D.s in physics with a quantum science focus

1 Faculty Nobel laureate in quantum physics