Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced that Microsoft is opening a new quantum research center at the University of Maryland’s Discovery District. The center will be a cornerstone of Maryland’s Capital of Quantum Initiative, which includes both private and public sector investment. Several other states, including Colorado, Illinois, New Mexico, and Utah, have also launched quantum initiatives.
For additional details about Microsoft’s quantum efforts and the role of Maryland as a national hub for quantum research, check out this Microsoft on the Issues blog. “Developing scalable quantum computers will require…. new types of public-private partnerships across state and federal governments, nonprofit research organizations, higher education institutions, and small and large companies,” writes Dr. Charles Tahan, partner at Microsoft Quantum.
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This Week in Washington
- FedScoop: A new bipartisan bill in the House–the Unleashing Low-Cost Rural AI Act–would require the Energy, Interior, and Agriculture departments to examine the effect AI data center buildouts are having on rural America. If passed, the departments would also identify areas that are strong candidates for tech expansion.
- Washington Post: China confirmed a “basic consensus” on a deal for changing TikTok’s ownership, months after the president pushed his administration to ignore the app’s legally mandated ban.
- FedScoop: Bipartisan lawmakers in the House reintroduced the National Science Foundation AI Education Act which would authorize NSF to grant scholarships to students pursuing AI studies at the undergrad and graduate levels. The bill and its companion stalled out in the House and Senate last year.
- Axios: At Axios’ AI+ DC Summit, White House adviser Jacob Helberg said AI job fears “underestimate” workers, noting that, similar to the computer revolution, people might be displaced, but other opportunities would emerge.
- Nextgov: The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is prepared to accept any extension Congress authorizes for a fundamental cybersecurity threat intelligence-sharing law, the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015, which is set to expire September 30. The law lets private sector providers freely transmit cyber threat information to government partners with key liability protections in place.
Article Summary
- StateScoop: Proposed AI legislation in California that would have required companies and government agencies to notify individuals when automated systems were used for “consequential decisions” failed to advance in the state assembly.
- StateScoop: Nevada’s Governor Joe Lombardo recently said that the state faced a 300% increase in cyberattack attempts on its websites since a ransomware attack in August knocked several state websites offline and downed several digital services.
- CyberScoop: With court authorization, Microsoft collaborated with Cloudflare to seize hundreds of phishing websites tied to a massive credential theft operation led by RaccoonO365, a financially motivated threat group.
- CNN: Nvidia is purchasing $5 billion worth of Intel’s common stock, joining the U.S. government who recently took a large stake in the tech company.
Featured Podcast
- Afternoon Cyber Tea
Matt Rowe, Chief Security Officer at Lloyds Bank, explores the future of cybersecurity with host Ann Johnson. They discuss the accelerating pace of change in the industry, from AI and automation to data-driven security practices and identity management. Matt shares how Lloyds Bank is modernizing its approach by reducing friction, upskilling teams, and fostering a growth mindset, while also laying foundations for resilience and agility across the financial ecosystem. (Modernizing Cybersecurity with Matt Rowe – September 10, 2025) – 30 minute and 42 second listen
Note: Voices for Innovation regularly shares a range of opinion articles and press releases from organizations in and publications covering tech policy. These pieces are meant to educate our audience, not to endorse specific platforms or bills.