COLLEGE PARK, Md., MARCH 10, 2026 -- The Maryland Institute for Quantum Applications (MIQA) at the University of Maryland’s Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS) has launched a new research initiative under the SEQCURE program, sponsored by the Secretary of the Air Force’s Concepts, Development, and Management Office, to apply Zero Trust Architecture principles to quantum systems.

Working with its industry partners, ARLIS researchers are evaluating the security posture of different environments, providing recommendations to align emerging quantum technologies with national security standards. The six key areas that define the design and use of these advanced systems are cloud, hardware, software, facility, data, and users.

The goal is to understand current security postures and develop recommendations for future security standards in quantum computing, guided by the NIST SP 800-207 Zero Trust framework. This work will enable industry to shape quantum solutions that match government security requirements which will enable more rapid government adoption of eventual quantum systems.

“Quantum computing holds tremendous promise for science and national security, but we must ensure these systems are resilient from the start,” said Paul Lopata, Chief Quantum Scientist and Acting Director of the Maryland Institute for Quantum Applications at ARLIS. “By working closely with industry, ARLIS is helping chart a secure path forward.”

The SEQCURE program is a continuation of MIQA’s vision for advancing national security-relevant quantum applications. It also matches national-level research and security priorities. By advancing security frameworks for next generation computing systems, ARLIS is helping ensure that quantum technologies transition safely from research labs into operational use.

Through 2025–2026, ARLIS researchers will continue their security analyses with quantum hardware and cloud providers, producing comprehensive reports and recommendations for government and industry stakeholders.