UCLA Launches SoCal Quantum Alliance for Innovation

New coalition unites universities, NASA, and tech companies to accelerate quantum research and workforce development in Southern California.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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UCLA has announced the creation of the SoCal Quantum Alliance (SQA), a new coalition of leading universities, industry partners, and regional economic development organizations in Southern California. The alliance aims to accelerate innovation, workforce development, and economic growth in quantum science and technology, complementing the statewide Quantum California initiative.

Why it matters

The SQA brings together the region's top research institutions and industry leaders to ensure that Southern California remains at the forefront of the quantum revolution. By aligning goals and coordinating quantum R&D across the state, the alliance aims to solidify California's position as a global leader in quantum science and technology.

The details

The SQA is led by UCLA's Center for Quantum Science and Engineering and includes founding members such as USC, Cal State San Marcos, Caltech, JPL, UC Irvine, UC San Diego, Pasadena City College, and major tech companies like Boeing, Cisco, and IBM. The alliance will focus on research collaboration, workforce development, and industry engagement to translate scientific breakthroughs into real-world applications and grow California's quantum economy.

  • The SoCal Quantum Alliance was announced on February 13, 2026.

The players

UCLA

The University of California, Los Angeles, home to the Center for Quantum Science and Engineering and the lead institution behind the SoCal Quantum Alliance.

SoCal Quantum Alliance (SQA)

A coalition of leading universities, industry partners, and regional economic development organizations in Southern California, formed to accelerate innovation, workforce development, and economic growth in quantum science and technology.

Quantum California

A statewide initiative to position California as the global epicenter of quantum technology.

Dee Dee Myers

Senior advisor to California Governor Gavin Newsom and director of the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development.

Eric Hudson

UCLA physics professor and director of the Center for Quantum Science and Engineering, leading the SQA effort.

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What they’re saying

“The SoCal Quantum Alliance reflects the spirit of Quantum California — collaboration, innovation and leadership. By connecting Southern California's research powerhouses with key industry and civic partners, the alliance is showing how regions can turn vision into momentum to ensure California remains the global epicenter of quantum technology.”

— Dee Dee Myers, Senior advisor to California Governor Gavin Newsom and director of the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (Mirage News)

“UCLA is proud to help launch this alliance as part of our commitment to collaborative discovery and regional leadership. Quantum California provides a powerful statewide vision, and 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.”

— Roger Wakimoto, Vice chancellor for research and creative activities at UCLA (Mirage News)

“The SQA originates from years of collaborative effort at the UCLA Center for Quantum Science and Engineering and the NSF Challenge Institute for Quantum Computation. By aligning our goals with these institutions, we are coordinating quantum R&D across the state to anchor California's position as a global leader and secure our regional economy.”

— Eric Hudson, UCLA physics professor and director of the Center for Quantum Science and Engineering (Mirage News)

What’s next

The SoCal Quantum Alliance is actively expanding its membership to include additional organizations committed to shaping a vibrant, inclusive, and globally competitive quantum economy in California.

The takeaway

By uniting the region's top research institutions, industry leaders, and economic development partners, the SoCal Quantum Alliance is positioning Southern California as a hub for quantum innovation and ensuring that the state remains at the forefront of the quantum revolution.