# Microsoft quantum computing research and DARPA collaboration > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/microsoft-quantum-computing-research-and-darpa-collaboration > Updated: 2026-09-24T17:44:19.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2. Microsoft has established a 15,000-square-foot quantum research center in the University of Maryland’s Discovery District. The facility features a quantum hardware makerspace intended to foster a quantum ecosystem through partnerships with organizations such as Fermilab, AMD, Intel, and others. As part of this initiative, Microsoft is providing its Majorana 2 quantum chip, which utilizes topological qubits, for evaluation by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Following the center's opening, Microsoft granted DARPA on-site access to the hardware. This allows DARPA researchers to move beyond remote evaluation to independently test the hardware, load custom software, and run boot sequences to verify performance. Microsoft reports that these topological qubits are significantly more reliable than previous generations, with some lifetimes exceeding one minute. The collaboration aims to determine if Microsoft’s Majorana-based approach can transition into scalable, commercially viable quantum computing, with Microsoft targeting scalable development by 2029 and DARPA seeking economically viable systems by 2033. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-24: Microsoft grants DARPA on-site access to Majorana 2 quantum hardware Microsoft is providing DARPA with on-site access to its Majorana 2-based quantum hardware in Maryland to allow for independent testing and evaluation of its topological qubit technology. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/microsoft-grants-darpa-on-site-access-to-majorana-2-quantum-hardware ### 2026-09-22: Microsoft opens quantum research center in Maryland Microsoft has opened a new quantum research center at the University of Maryland, featuring a hardware makerspace and partnering with Fermilab to advance open-source quantum control tools. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/microsoft-opens-quantum-research-center-in-maryland --- Cite as: Microsoft quantum computing research and DARPA collaboration. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/microsoft-quantum-computing-research-and-darpa-collaboration