Quantum Nexus Powers California’s Quantum Research Regime
California's Quantum Nexus aims for tech dominance
The Roger Herst Quantum Nexus and “Quantum California” have established California as a global leader in quantum technologies. This effort is driven by new state legislation and a $4 million state investment to make California the global centre of innovation for the next technology revolution and commercialise quantum research. The initiative supports California's “Quantum California” goal to lead quantum communication, sensing, and computation.
For California to control the rapidly rising quantum technology industry, the Quantum Nexus, which will enhance employment and scientific research, is a strategic and physical hub.
Physical Innovation Hub: Quantum Nexus
The Roger Herst Quantum Nexus, launched in early November 2025 after major legislation was signed in October, symbolises California's commitment to cross-sector quantum research. In downtown Berkeley's ancient Masonic Temple, the 6,000-square-foot “interaction space” welcomes scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, students, and politicians.
UC Berkeley's research is linked to LBNL's and the California quantum community by the Nexus. Importantly, the facility contains adjustable meeting spaces and collaboration areas to encourage long-term, in-person engagement to bridge scientific findings and practical applications. Steven Kahn, dean of Mathematical & Physical Sciences, said the facility's main purpose is to speed up quantum discovery by allowing concepts to flow quickly between theory, experiment, engineering, and application.
Due to its proximity to Sacramento, state authorities, academics, and businesspeople may communicate directly. Quantum lectures, workshops, industry-sponsored events, and networking will be hosted weekly, and an international conference is being proposed. In addition to cooperation, the Nexus helps quantum startups get postdocs and students.
Legislation and Funding
The Quantum Nexus is linked to Governor Gavin Newsom's "Quantum California" program. This project centres on Assembly Bill 940 (AB 940), prepared by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks and formalising state policy. The Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) is authorised under AB 940 to design a statewide quantum technology plan. The California Jobs First State Economic Blueprint prioritises quantum innovation. By July 1, 2026, GO-Biz must create a strategic framework with industry-specific approaches to increase the state's economic competitiveness and create quantum employment in every region.
Assemblymember Wicks stressed the urgency of the bill, citing concerns from notable UC Berkeley teachers about losing out on quantum unless action is taken.
The state's 2025–2026 budget includes a $4 million commitment to boost the talent pipeline and accelerate the commercialisation of laboratory discoveries. Proceed: Business executives and campus officials have planned to enhance California's quantum economy for 18 months. Governor Newsom said success depends on investing in the “conveyor belt for talent”.
Unmatched Quantum Ecosystem in California
California has a strong platform for quantum dominance as the only US state with DOE and NSF quantum research centres. The ecosystem, a dense network of leading colleges, includes UC Berkeley, LBNL, Stanford, Caltech, and UCLA.
Industry leaders and major corporate labs like the Amazon Web Services Centre for Quantum Computing (Caltech) and the Google Quantum AI Campus (UC Santa Barbara) underpin private sector engagement. In the first half of the year, California quantum firms received over $110 billion in VC investments, about two-thirds of all US venture funding in the sector. Venture capitalists trust this synergy.
Academics, business, and government share ideas at UC Berkeley, an innovation and entrepreneurship powerhouse. Over the past decade, UC Berkeley scientists have published more quantum computing research than any other university, a trend expected to accelerate. Since its faculty investigates multiple quantum technologies rather than pushing one, Dean Kahn believes Berkeley is a “honest broker” in this regard.
Faculty will use the Roger Herst Quantum Nexus to develop a roadmap for advanced quantum policy and education, preparing students for jobs in corporate strategy, computer science, engineering, and physics.
Future Redefining
Quantum Information Science (QIS), which uses superposition and entanglement, is revolutionary, justifying the importance of Quantum California. These phenomena enable major advances in communication, sensing, and computation.
By solving complex equations that take classical supercomputers thousands of years in minutes, computation could revolutionise medicine discovery, materials science, and climate modelling. Sensing will improve navigation and medical imaging, while communication will create impenetrable quantum networks.
Dee Dee Myers, GO-Biz Director, says Quantum California turns discovery into opportunity by connecting research powerhouses with entrepreneurs and companies to foster innovation, investment, and job development. In a competition where governments are spending billions on quantum technology, the Quantum Nexus is seen as a foundational investment that will ensure California is the launchpad for the next scientific revolution.
