In the summer of 2024, the United Nations proclaimed 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology.

This year-long, global initiative will celebrate the contributions of quantum science to technological progress over the past century, raise awareness of its importance for sustainable development in the 21st century, and ensure that all nations have access to quantum education and opportunities.

“Through this proclamation, we will bring quantum STEM education and research to young people in Africa and developing countries around the world with the hope of inspiring the next generation of scientists, “ said Riche-Mike Wellington, chief program specialist at the Ghana Commission for UNESCO and the Ghanaian representative for IYQ.

The U.N. proclamation is the culmination of a multiyear effort spearheaded by an international coalition of scientific organizations.

After Mexico shepherded the coalition’s initial proposal through UNESCO’s 42nd General Conference in November 2023, Ghana formally submitted a draft resolution to the U.N. General Assembly in May 2024 that garnered co-sponsorship from more than 70 countries before its approval today.

UNESCO will oversee the campaign as the U.N.’s lead agency, while the American Physical Society will administer the campaign through an international consortium and invite scientific societies, academic institutions, philanthropic organizations, and industry to contribute to the initiative.

The consortium’s current founding partners include the American Physical Society; the German Physical Society; the Chinese Optical Society; SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics; and Optica (formerly OSA).

In August 2024, the University of Maryland announced a collaboration with a College Park-based quantum computing firm to develop a new system aimed at enhancing the use of quantum computers for national security.

In September 2024, University of Maryland President Darryll J. Pines addressed hundreds of attendees at the Quantum World Congress held in Tysons Corner, Virginia.

He heralded the next phase of the university's partnership with a quantum computing hardware and software firm located in UMD's Discovery District, positioning the university as the heart of what Pines described as "the Capital of Quantum."

"From computing and photonics to networks and sensors, the University of Maryland is ensuring that the Capital of Quantum is at the forefront of the drive, determination, and resources necessary to tackle the greatest challenges of our time for the benefit of everyone," he stated.

According to one plan, Maryland Governor Wes Moore aims to produce 150,000 new graduates in STEM fields and collaborate with businesses and entrepreneurs to promote the state’s research and technology as the capital of quantum.

The World Economic Forum recently indicated that quantum technology will accelerate the Fourth Industrial Revolution, leading to advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), and nanotechnology.

More than 17 countries have invested in national quantum technology research and development programs, while over 150 have not.

Governor Moore has pledged to build the future workforce by encouraging students to pursue STEM fields and creating new pathways to employment through affordable job training programs.

He also aims to increase funding for apprenticeships and implement credentialing programs to help individuals acquire the necessary skills.