UCLA Launches SoCal Quantum Alliance for Innovation

California took another step toward its quantum future today as UCLA announced the creation of the SoCal Quantum Alliance (SQA), a new coalition uniting the region's leading universities, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and technology companies to accelerate innovation, workforce development and economic growth in quantum science. Building on the statewide Quantum California initiative, the alliance embodies a shared commitment to ensure that California remains at the forefront of the quantum revolution.

"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 alliance-building effort was spearheaded by UCLA, home to the Center for Quantum Science and Engineering (CQSE). Operated jointly by the UCLA College's Division of Physical Sciences and the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering, the center directs the Quantum Innovation Hub, which will soon occupy space at UCLA's Research Park, bringing together faculty and researchers from UCLA and other academic institutions, government and industry partners, leading startups, and students in a collective, multidisciplinary effort to advance the state of quantum science.

About the SoCal Quantum Alliance

In addition to UCLA, 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 the Aerospace Corp. Together, they form one of the most comprehensive regional quantum innovation networks in the nation.

SQA complements the Quantum California initiative by serving as Southern California's anchor for research collaboration, workforce development and industry engagement, ensuring that innovation, investment and opportunity in the quantum era reflect the full strength of California's talent and institutions. The alliance is actively expanding its membership to include additional organizations committed to shaping a vibrant, inclusive and globally competitive quantum economy.

"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."

Leading the effort is UCLA physics professor and CQSE director Eric Hudson, who said that the alliance is the culmination of long-standing scientific partnerships.

"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," Hudson said. "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."

A legacy of leadership in quantum science

The alliance builds on Southern California's long tradition of pioneering work in quantum science, from Nobel Prize–winning physicist Richard Feynman's early vision of quantum computing at Caltech to today's breakthroughs in sensing, communications, networks and materials science.

"Our region's institutions and companies have pushed the boundaries of what's possible in quantum science for decades," said Dave Gallagher, director of JPL. "The SoCal Quantum Alliance provides a framework for sustained collaboration, ensuring that discovery continues to translate into innovation and real-world impact."

Building the workforce for California's quantum economy

The alliance connects universities, state colleges and community colleges to create pathways that prepare students and technical professionals for careers in quantum engineering, manufacturing and applied technologies.

"Including California's state universities and California community colleges ensures this emerging industry lifts all Californians," said Carl Kemnitz, provost and vice president for academic affairs at Cal State University San Marcos. "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 collaboration and innovation

Industry collaboration is central to the alliance's mission. By connecting major companies with universities, startups and other industry partners, the alliance will accelerate the translation of scientific breakthroughs into applications that strengthen California's economy and expand its leadership in quantum-enabled technologies.

"Quantum technologies offer immense potential to transform aerospace, defense and secure communications. Collaboration across sectors is essential to realizing that potential," said Jay Lowell, chief scientist at Boeing Disruptive Computing, Networks & Sensors. "The SoCal Quantum Alliance gives industry a seat at the table, allowing us to partner with researchers and educators to move from concept to capability faster."

Charting California's quantum future

Together, the members of the SoCal Quantum Alliance will ensure that California's next century of innovation is one rooted in collaboration, discovery and shared purpose. By linking research excellence with industry leadership and workforce development, the alliance advances the vision of Quantum California: a statewide commitment to lead the world in quantum science, technology and the economy it will power.