A collaborative effort involving the University of California San Diego’s Qualcomm Institute, HPE Quantum, and Quantum Machines recently convened leaders to shape California’s quantum future and funding priorities. The Quantum San Diego Convening, a two-day gathering of industry, academic, and government stakeholders, advances the goals of Quantum California, a new public-private initiative designed to solidify the state’s position as a global quantum hub. Assembly Bill 940 is driving this coordinated strategy, following similar meetings at UC Berkeley and UC Santa Barbara, to address the critical challenge of scaling quantum technologies. “California’s quantum leadership depends on the strength of the ecosystem we build around it,” said Dee Dee Myers, Senior Advisor to Governor Newsom and Director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, “and events like this help bring together the researchers, companies, investors and public-sector partners needed to move quantum technologies from breakthrough science to commercialization.”
Quantum California Initiative Drives Statewide Quantum Strategy
California’s growing quantum industry is now supported by formal legislative support; Assembly Bill 940 is driving the creation of a statewide quantum technology strategy, signaling a commitment extending beyond private sector investment. UC San Diego Qualcomm Institute Director Ramesh Rao emphasized the regional strengths contributing to this effort, stating, “The San Diego community has tremendous expertise in radio frequency engineering and electromagnetics – areas that will be critical for scaling quantum technology.” This convening facilitated discussion around the Quantum Scaling Alliance, an initiative concentrating on the system-level integration necessary for transitioning quantum computing from research labs to practical deployment. “Scaling quantum systems is a system-level challenge that spans hardware, control and infrastructure,” said Itamar Sivan, CEO and Co-founder of Quantum Machines. Riley Need, UC San Diego Qualcomm Institute Research Specialist, affirmed that “California has the depth of research, industry presence and innovation infrastructure needed to lead in quantum technologies,” and that events like this are vital for translating that potential into tangible results.
Quantum San Diego Convening Focuses on Scaling Challenges
The Quantum San Diego Convening, hosted at the UC San Diego Qualcomm Institute, signaled a deliberate shift toward practical application within California’s growing quantum sector; the event focused on translating research into deployable systems rather than simply being a scientific exchange. This coordinated strategy is formalized through Assembly Bill 940, which mandates a statewide quantum technology strategy, demonstrating a legislative commitment beyond industry enthusiasm. Organized jointly by the Qualcomm Institute at UC San Diego, HPE Quantum, and Quantum Machines, the convening highlighted a specific partnership designed to shape the state’s quantum roadmap and direct funding priorities.
Through Quantum California, we are working to support that ecosystem, strengthen coordination across regions and ensure California remains the best place in the world to scale this cutting-edge industry.
Dee Dee Myers, Senior Advisor to Governor Newsom and Director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development
The concentration of radio frequency engineering talent in San Diego is proving a key asset as California accelerates its statewide quantum technology strategy. This emphasis on engineering practicality extends beyond regional strengths, informing the broader Quantum California initiative and the mandates of Assembly Bill 940, which formalized a coordinated statewide strategy. Approximately 200 participants engaged in working-level discussions centered on the transition from research to deployable quantum systems, addressing technical bottlenecks and infrastructure needs.
California’s quantum leadership depends on the strength of the ecosystem we build around it, and events like this help bring together the researchers, companies, investors and public-sector partners needed to move quantum technologies from breakthrough science to commercialization.
Dee Dee Myers, Senior Advisor to Governor Newsom and Director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development
