George Mason's quantum vision takes center stage during landmark week
From its Fairfax Campus in Virginia, to Washington, D.C., to the 2026 Quantum World Congress in College Park, Maryland, George Mason University spent the week demonstrating how universities can help turn the promise of quantum technology into research, workforce opportunities, infrastructure, partnerships, and economic impact.
The university’s engagement came at a pivotal moment. Quantum World Congress (QWC26), held September 23-25, brought together leaders from science, industry, government, finance, and education to advance quantum technologies from research toward commercialization and real-world application. Cody W. Edwards, dean of George Mason’s College of Science, delivered a QWC26 keynote focused on an important question for institutions and regions: Do we wait for quantum’s transformational technology to take shape or do we build the capacity to help shape the ecosystem now for the future.
The answer was clear: George Mason University is relying on its strengths to build.
“Quantum is now,” Edwards told the audience. Rather than trying to predict which quantum technology will ultimately prevail, he stressed that leaders should invest in the people, partnerships, infrastructure, and institutional flexibility needed to respond as the field evolves. He outlined three imperatives: build capacity ahead of the curve; build ecosystems rather than isolated assets; and begin with consequential problems while building solutions with partners.
That ecosystem-building approach was visible throughout the week.
Just ahead of QWC26, George Mason announced plans to establish the Virginia Quantum Hub, (VQH) supported by a $3.7 million GO Virginia grant, pending final award. Designed as an inclusive public-private quantum ecosystem, the VQH combines shared infrastructure, workforce development, and collaborative technology innovation. Its partners span industry, government, regional economic development groups, and education-focused collaborators including Northern Virginia Community College, Marymount University, Virginia Tech, and public schools in Fairfax, Arlington, and Loudoun County. Check go.gmu.edu/quantum for a current and growing valued partner network listing.
