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Microsoft Opens Quantum Research Center at UMD, Tests Majorana 2

By Drooid · Sep 23, 2026, 3:28 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Microsoft opened a 15,000-square-foot quantum research center at the University of Maryland.
DARPA obtained full on-site access to Microsoft’s Majorana 2 topological quantum chip for testing.
Majorana 2 replaces aluminum with lead in its material stack to improve qubit performance.
The center provides a makerspace, annual measurement workshops, and funded UMD postdoctoral positions.
Partners including AMD, Intel, IQM, Fermilab, Riverlane and Quantum Motion will supply hardware.

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Story summary

Microsoft opened a 15,000-square-foot quantum research center at the University of Maryland.
DARPA obtained full on-site access to Microsoft’s Majorana 2 topological quantum chip for testing.
Majorana 2 replaces aluminum with lead in its material stack to improve qubit performance.
The center provides a makerspace, annual measurement workshops, and funded UMD postdoctoral positions.
Partners including AMD, Intel, IQM, Fermilab, Riverlane and Quantum Motion will supply hardware.