California has moved forward in the field of quantum science with the launch of the SoCal Quantum Alliance (SQA), a coalition led by the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). The alliance brings together universities, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and technology companies to promote innovation, workforce development, and economic growth in quantum science. SQA serves as Southern California’s anchor for research collaboration and industry engagement and complements the statewide Quantum California initiative.
“The SoCal Quantum Alliance reflects the spirit of Quantum California — collaboration, innovation and leadership,” said Dee Dee Myers, senior advisor to California Gov. Gavin Newsom and director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. “By connecting Southern California’s research powerhouses with key industry and civic partners, the alliance is showing how regions can turn vision into momentum to ensure California remains the global epicenter of quantum technology.”
The effort was led by UCLA, which is known for its achievements in scholarship and research across a 419-acre campus within the University of California system (official website). The university has been associated with Nobel laureates and MacArthur Fellows (official website), fostering diverse perspectives through its academic programs (official website). UCLA operates the Center for Quantum Science and Engineering (CQSE), which directs the Quantum Innovation Hub. This hub will soon be located at UCLA’s Research Park, bringing together faculty from various institutions along with government, industry partners, startups, and students.
Founding members of SQA include USC, Cal State San Marcos, Caltech, JPL, UC Irvine, UC San Diego, Pasadena City College, HRL Laboratories, Boeing, Monarch Quantum, Cisco, IBM and Aerospace Corp., forming one of the largest regional quantum innovation networks in the United States.
“UCLA is proud to help launch this alliance as part of our commitment to collaborative discovery and regional leadership,” said Roger Wakimoto, vice chancellor for research and creative activities at UCLA. “Quantum California provides a powerful statewide vision, and the SoCal Quantum Alliance is how we, as a region, will deliver on that vision, connecting institutions, industry and talent to shape California’s quantum future.”
Eric Hudson, UCLA physics professor and CQSE director who leads this initiative stated: “The SQA originates from years of collaborative effort at the UCLA Center for Quantum Science and Engineering and the NSF Challenge Institute for Quantum Computation. By aligning our goals with these institutions, we are coordinating quantum R&D across the state to anchor California’s position as a global leader and secure our regional economy.”
The alliance builds on Southern California’s history in quantum science including work by Nobel Prize–winning physicist Richard Feynman at Caltech. Dave Gallagher from JPL noted: “Our region’s institutions and companies have pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in quantum science for decades. The SoCal Quantum Alliance provides a framework for sustained collaboration, ensuring that discovery continues to translate into innovation and real-world impact.”
To support workforce development in quantum fields such as engineering or manufacturing technology careers, SQA connects universities with state colleges and community colleges. Carl Kemnitz from Cal State University San Marcos commented: “Including California’s state universities and California community colleges ensures this emerging industry lifts all Californians. At CSUSM we’re committed to opening doors of opportunity and preparing a diverse talented workforce that will drive innovation and help shape and power the future quantum economy.”
Industry involvement is central to SQA’s mission. Jay Lowell from Boeing Disruptive Computing said: “Quantum technologies offer immense potential to transform aerospace defense and secure communications. Collaboration across sectors is essential to realizing that potential. The SoCal Quantum Alliance gives industry a seat at the table allowing us to partner with researchers educators to move from concept to capability faster.”
Through linking research excellence with industry leadership while supporting workforce training initiatives across member organizations SQA aims to advance both local economic growth as well as maintain global competitiveness for California in quantum science.
