TL;DR UCLA has launched the SoCal Quantum Alliance, a regional partnership of leading universities, research labs, and technology companies — including Monarch Quantum — to accelerate quantum innovation, strengthen California’s quantum economy, and build a skilled workforce that can turn cutting-edge research into real-world quantum technologies.
A new era of quantum innovation is taking shape in Southern California. Monarch Quantum has joined forces with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and a coalition of universities, industry leaders, research labs, and workforce partners to launch the SoCal Quantum Alliance (SQA) — a strategic initiative aimed at accelerating quantum technology, innovation, education, and economic impact across the region.
What is the SoCal Quantum Alliance?
The SoCal Quantum Alliance is a UCLA-led coalition bringing together some of Southern California’s most influential academic and industrial institutions to create a hub for quantum research, workforce development, and industry collaboration.
Founding members include:
- Universities & colleges: UCLA, USC, Caltech, UC San Diego, UC Irvine, California State University San Marcos, Pasadena City College
- Research labs & organizations: NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), HRL Laboratories (formerly Hughes Research Laboratories)
- Industry partners: Boeing, Cisco, IBM, the Aerospace Corporation, and Monarch Quantum
The alliance builds on the statewide Quantum California initiative, serving as Southern California’s anchor for regional innovation and ensuring that the state’s leadership in the quantum community continues to grow.
Why It Matters
The SoCal Quantum Alliance represents a significant step forward in shaping the future of quantum technology:
Bridging innovation and impact
By uniting research institutions with industry partners like Monarch Quantum and others, the SQA will accelerate the path from laboratory discovery to practical, deployable quantum systems — with potential applications across sectors such as aerospace, communications, sensing, and secure computing.
Strengthening the quantum economy
As global competition intensifies in quantum technology, the alliance anchors Southern California’s contributions to this fast-growing field, helping maintain California’s role as a global innovation leader. By catalyzing investment, startup formation, and collaborative research, the initiative enhances broader economic prospects in the region.
Building California’s quantum workforce
A central focus of the alliance is workforce development. By linking universities with community colleges and technical training programs, the SQA creates inclusive pathways for students and professionals to launch careers in quantum engineering, systems development, and applied technologies — preparing the next generation of talent for a quantum-enabled economy.
Reinforcing regional leadership
Southern California has a rich legacy in quantum science — from early theoretical work to modern advances in computing, sensing, communications, and materials research. This alliance provides an integrated structure to sustain and expand that leadership, fostering collaboration and discovery across institutions and sectors.
Monarch Quantum’s Role
Monarch Quantum’s participation as industry partner highlights its commitment to advancing quantum technologies alongside major research universities and organizations. By contributing expertise in quantum light engines, systems engineering, and applied research, Monarch Quantum enhances the alliance’s capacity to translate foundational science into next-generation technologies that have real-world impact.
In addition to innovation contributions, Monarch Quantum’s involvement strengthens regional workforce development efforts, teaming with academic institutions and industry to help build training programs that equip students and professionals with the skills needed for careers in the rapidly evolving quantum ecosystem.
Looking Ahead
With the SoCal Quantum Alliance officially launched, Southern California is stepping into a leadership role in the quantum revolution. By connecting research excellence, industrial capability, and workforce talent, the alliance is positioned to drive significant technological and economic impact for years to come.
For more details, see the official alliance site: socalquantum.org