Gov. Gavin Newsom visited the University of California, Berkeley’s Campbell Hall to sign a new bill that establishes “quantum innovation zones” throughout California. The move aims to strengthen the state’s role in quantum computing and related technologies.

The newly signed Assembly Bill 940 directs these innovation zones to identify projects that effectively use public funds to grow the quantum computing sector. The legislation was introduced by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks after discussions with UC Berkeley faculty members Steve Kahn and Irfan Siddiqi.

During his visit, Newsom toured several quantum research labs on campus and spoke with scientists and students involved in developing advanced quantum technologies. “It was amazing to walk in the labs downstairs and to see the world here at UC Berkeley,” Newsom said. “… I’m very proud to be part of this inclusive community here at UC Berkeley and the remarkable ecosystem that’s been built up over the course of decades — to be here with people that aren’t just the best and the brightest, but truly represent the best and the brightest around the globe.”

Quantum computers use qubits, which are entangled in ways that allow computations not possible for conventional digital computers. Quantum technology also has potential applications in secure communications and advanced sensors.

Assemblymember Wicks explained her motivation for introducing AB 940: “I had lunch with the chancellor and some of the research folks from Cal about a year and a half ago, where they said to me, ‘We’re going to lose out on quantum unless we do something,'” Wicks said at Friday’s news conference. “We have the academic research to support these newer technologies. We have a private sector that wants to invest in this. We need the state to have skin in the game, and we need the state to demonstrate that we’re … actually going to lead on quantum research here in California.” She added: “This isn’t just (for) San Francisco, Los Angeles. This is technology that’s going to benefit communities far and wide of all shapes and sizes and colors and socioeconomic experiences.” The legislation “signed today is really California planting their flag to lead this industry.”

Chancellor Rich Lyons expressed gratitude for legislative support: “Berkeley is thrilled and honored to be the launchpad for ‘Quantum California,’ the state’s effort to support the best research facilities, to foster the quantum industry and build the quantum workforce. The promise of this science is exciting. We can envision its benefits in cybersecurity, drug discovery, new materials, scientific simulations and other massive computing problems.”

Lyons also mentioned plans for a new facility called Quantum Nexus opening later this year in downtown Berkeley's old Masonic Temple building. This center will bring together scientists, students, policymakers, and industry leaders for collaboration on quantum science initiatives.

He emphasized broader cooperation across California through organizations like the Challenge Institute for Quantum Computation—a partnership among UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC Santa Barbara, Caltech, Stanford University, and soon California State University—funded by federal sources such as the National Science Foundation.

“We see this as crucial to ensuring the partnership necessary to establish quantum information as the engine for the next major technical revolution in California and around the world,” Lyons said. “The discoveries that happen here on the Berkeley campus become the technologies, goods and services that advance the health, well-being and security of the American people.”

During his tour of Campbell Hall laboratories led by Irfan Siddiqi—who studies solid-state qubits—Newsom observed hardware prototypes central to future quantum computers. When handed a small sample processor containing about a dozen qubits by Siddiqi he responded: “That’s it? That’s literally it?”

Siddiqi commented on how AB 940 supports business growth within California: “This bill lowers barriers for companies to stay in California,” Siddiqi said, “leveraging all quantum resources in state.” He noted such collaboration could help develop what he called "Quantum Valley," referencing Silicon Valley's history.

Alp Sipahigil from UC Berkeley's departments of electrical engineering & computer sciences highlighted his work toward next-generation devices while developing interdisciplinary courses needed for training future engineers skilled both in chip design principles & fundamental physics.

In another lab visit with Dan Stamper-Kurn from physics department—which focuses on cooling single-atom qubits close absolute zero—Newsom learned about experimental challenges involved; Stamper-Kurn remarked: “Science fiction is now real.”