Governor Gavin Newsom has signed two new bills and announced additional funding to support California’s leadership in emerging technologies, specifically quantum computing and fusion energy. The announcement was made at the National Quantum Information Science Research Centers at the University of California, Berkeley.
The newly signed legislation aims to strengthen California’s position as a leader in global innovation by advancing research, developing talent, and fostering opportunities across different regions of the state. Governor Newsom stated: “California is the epicenter of global innovation — it’s made us the 4th largest economy in the world and the talent pipeline for the nation. Our state was literally born from our ability to lean into emerging industries that will change our world. While others dream, California is delivering the future — the Golden State is where the innovations of tomorrow begin.”
One bill, Assembly Bill 940 authored by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland), directs a statewide strategy to turn quantum research into industry output. The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development will develop a strategic framework aligned with California’s Economic Blueprint to expand the quantum sector statewide. An additional $4 million has been allocated in the 2025-2026 budget for quantum research and innovation.
Assemblymember Buffy Wicks said: “Quantum will define the future — and with AB 940, California is claiming its place at the forefront. By directing the development of a statewide strategy, this bill ensures we are positioning ourselves to lead in quantum innovation, create good-paying jobs, and capture the immense economic value this technology will generate. I’m grateful to Governor Newsom for signing this bill and to all the partners who recognize the urgency of investing in this transformative technology.”
The second measure, Senate Bill 80 authored by Senator Anna Caballero (D-Merced), establishes a Fusion Research and Development Innovation Initiative that will allocate $5 million toward advancing fusion energy research. This initiative supports efforts to commercialize fusion energy with an aim to launch a pilot project in California by the 2040s as part of meeting clean electricity targets.
Senator Anna M. Caballero said: “Fusion energy has the immense potential to provide consistent, clean baseload power on demand that will help us meet our clean energy goals. This is why I am proud to have authored SB 80, which provides an avenue for the state to invest directly in California’s fusion energy economy and help retain talented researchers in our state. By signing SB 80, the Governor has affirmed California’s commitment to advancing fusion energy research.”
California remains home to leading federal research facilities such as NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and several Department of Energy labs including Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. These centers conduct significant work in science, artificial intelligence, and other advanced fields.
University-based business incubators continue supporting start-up growth throughout California. The University of California system holds more U.S. utility patents than any other university system—540 were granted in 2024 alone—and maintains over 13,700 active patents.
UC Berkeley Chancellor Rich Lyons commented: “We are thrilled and honored to be the launchpad for ‘Quantum California.’ It is a perfect fit for Berkeley, where innovation and entrepreneurship are at the heart of our culture and mission. The discoveries that happen here are part of what makes Berkeley one of society’s greatest assets.”
In addition, during just six months in early 2025 startups based in California secured over $110 billion from venture capital sources—representing nearly two-thirds of all U.S. venture funding.
California continues as both an economic powerhouse—the fourth-largest economy globally—and as a leader among states for new business creation, access to investment capital, manufacturing output, agriculture production, population growth rates, and tourism revenue.
