Fairfax County Public Schools will install an $850,000 quantum computer at Skyview High School in Herndon in December 2026.

The move is part of a broader push to build a quantum-ready workforce across Northern Virginia. Student learning on the machine is expected to begin in spring 2027.

The announcement was one of three quantum-related developments unveiled at the Quantum World Congress (QWC) in September. The three-day conference drew 3,000 attendees from more than 1,000 organizations and 30 countries to Greater Washington, according to the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority.

FCPS is covering $684,000 of the computer's cost over several years, School Board member Kyle McDaniel told WTOP. The unit, about the size of a small refrigerator, was built by German startup XeedQ. It runs at room temperature on a standard wall outlet, drawing 500 watts.

McDaniel said the computer, while physically located at Skyview, will support quantum programs at other Fairfax County schools. That includes schools in the McLean and Langley pyramids, though no specific campuses have been named.

Superintendent Michelle Reid attended the congress on Sept. 26 to announce the partnership. In a Sept. 25 FCPS press release, Reid said the initiative connects students with industry leaders and community partners through hands-on learning in careers that do not yet exist. The program will start with a quantum computing pathway and may grow into a credit-bearing course with dual-enrollment options.

Through Connected DMV's Potomac Quantum Innovation Center, Skyview is expected to serve as a regional K-12 hub linking students with universities, federal labs and school systems across Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia.

The congress also featured two workforce announcements with local ties. George Mason University has partnered with UK-based TreQ to bring Virginia's first open-architecture quantum computing system to its Fairfax campus. GMU recently announced plans for a Virginia Quantum Hub backed by a $3.7 million GO Virginia grant, pending final award. College of Science Dean Cody Edwards presented the university's quantum strategy, arguing that regions should invest now in people, partnerships and infrastructure rather than wait to see which quantum technology wins out.

Connected DMV, Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) and Prince George's Community College are launching a NEXTversity program in photonics, optics and advanced manufacturing. Steven Partridge, vice president of strategy, research and workforce innovation at NOVA, said the program starts with the skills employers need, then works backward with community colleges to design training for actual jobs.

FCEDA President and CEO George Thomas, who co-founded Connected DMV, framed the stakes at the congress. "Regions that lead in quantum will be the ones that build the talent first," Thomas said. "The quantum companies growing in Greater Washington … will hire from this generation, and we intend to have them ready."

An NVCC and FCEDA Advanced Manufacturing and Skilled Trades Fair is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 8.