GO Virginia Awards $3.68 Million to Launch the Virginia Quantum Hub at George Mason University

On September 15, 2026, GO Virginia approved $3,684,912 in funding for Region 7 to help launch the Virginia Quantum Hub (VQH), a new regional center for quantum computing workforce development, shared infrastructure, and industry collaboration led by George Mason University (GMU)'s Quantum Science & Engineering Center. The award is one of the largest investments that GO Virginia has made, and positions Northern Virginia to compete for a share of a global quantum computing market projected to exceed $450 billion by 2035.

“My Administration is committed to supporting and strengthening the industries that power economic growth in local communities across our Commonwealth,” said Governor Abigail Spanberger. “These strategic investments reflect that focus: fostering innovation and building durable pathways to good jobs that support long-term economic security for Virginia families.”

“These projects reflect the hard work and shared vision of local leaders, employers, educators, and innovators,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie Chenery. “When we invest in capacity building for key industries — from quantum technology to agriculture, from manufacturing to IT — we invest in long-term economic growth across Virginia’s diverse regions.”

Over the next three years, the VQH is expected to train more than 1,000 students and incumbent workers, award more than 1,200 credentials, place 375 people into quantum-related jobs and internships, and reach more than 30,000 secondary students through GMU's teacher training and immersion programs.

Key components of the Virginia Quantum Hub include:

•       A four-tier quantum workforce pipeline, spanning GMU's nationally recognized middle and high school teacher training and immersion program.

•       A new Quantum Technician Lab and bootcamp at Northern Virginia Community College's Manassas campus, upskilling courses for the region's existing tech workforce.

•       A new GMU Master's program in Quantum Science and Engineering, the first of its kind in Virginia.

•       Shared regional infrastructure, centered on one of the only open-architecture quantum computers in the United States.

•       An industry partnership program that unites employers and academics to guide curriculum, drive joint technology development, and pursue federal grants together, sustaining the Hub's work well beyond this grant.

“The Virginia Quantum Hub is exactly the kind of investment that keeps our region's talent and job growth from being tied to the ups and downs of federal spending,” said Lisa Shapiro, Managing Director of GO Virginia Region 7. “The approval reflects the culmination of extensive collaboration among many regional partners, including higher education institutions, private industry leaders, economic development organizations, and local government. The approval is just the beginning. Now the real work begins. I am looking forward to working with Dr. Vora and his team on this initiative.”

The Virginia Quantum Hub brings together a broad regional coalition: five economic development authorities (Fairfax County, Fairfax City, Loudoun County, Prince William County, and Arlington), three school divisions (Fairfax County, Arlington, and Loudoun County Public Schools), and higher education partners including Northern Virginia Community College, Marymount University, and Virginia Tech.

In addition, industry partners including Leidos, Aliro Quantum, and IonQ have together committed more than $1.3 million in in-kind support, with additional backing from MITRE, Boeing, NVIDIA, the Northern Virginia Technology Council, and the Northern Virginia Chamber.

“Quantum computing is exactly the kind of high-growth, high-wage industry that could benefit the Northern Virginia region,” said Lisa Roger, Chair of the GO Virginia Region 7 Council. “Five localities, three school divisions, and a coalition of industry partners all came together behind this project because they understand the importance of this initiative. The jobs and investment that come with the quantum revolution are going to land somewhere, and this grant ensures Northern Virginia doesn't miss its moment.”

Since its founding in 2017, GO Virginia has invested more than $10 million in the Northern Virginia region. To learn more, visit www. gonorthernva.com.

For the full Governor's office release: September Releases