Microsoft opened a 15,000-square-foot quantum research center in Maryland on September 22, 2026, giving DARPA direct access to the Majorana 2 hardware. Qubit lifetimes have improved from under 12 milliseconds to up to 20 seconds, representing approximately a 1,600-fold improvement. DARPA’s US2QC program, for which Microsoft is one of two finalists, aims to evaluate quantum systems capable of solving real-world problems faster than any classical computer. The state of Maryland has committed $52.5 million to this initiative, with total funding potentially reaching $100 million over four years with DARPA’s contribution. Microsoft expects to deliver commercial quantum systems by 2029.
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