UCLA has announced the formation of the SoCal Quantum Alliance (SQA), a regional coalition designed to accelerate quantum research, workforce development and industry collaboration across Southern California.
The alliance brings together leading universities, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), technology firms and community colleges to position the region as a national hub for quantum science and commercialization. The initiative complements the statewide Quantum California strategy, serving as Southern California’s anchor for research coordination and talent development.
The effort is led by UCLA’s Center for Quantum Science and Engineering (CQSE), jointly operated by the UCLA College’s Division of Physical Sciences and the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering. The center oversees the Quantum Innovation Hub, which will soon open at the UCLA Research Park to house multidisciplinary teams spanning academia, government and industry.
“The SoCal Quantum Alliance reflects the spirit of Quantum California — collaboration, innovation and leadership,” said Dee Dee Myers, senior advisor to 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.”
Founding members include USC, Caltech, UC Irvine, UC San Diego, Cal State San Marcos, Pasadena City College, HRL Laboratories, Boeing, IBM, Cisco, Monarch Quantum, the Aerospace Corp. and JPL. Together, they form one of the most comprehensive regional quantum networks in the country.
UCLA Vice Chancellor for Research Roger Wakimoto said the alliance translates statewide ambition into regional execution. “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.”
Beyond research collaboration, SQA emphasizes workforce pathways across universities, state colleges and community colleges to prepare students for roles in quantum engineering, manufacturing and applied technologies. Industry partners will work alongside academic institutions to accelerate commercialization of breakthroughs in sensing, communications and advanced computing.
As global competition in quantum technologies intensifies, the alliance aims to align research excellence, industry leadership and workforce training to strengthen California’s long-term economic competitiveness.
