o New National Quantum Hub to Be Based at University of Maryland
o Vienna-Based Spire Sells Maritime Unit to Belgian Company
o The Agora Initiative Names 3 Startups to Present at Showcase
o Manassas-Based OneKonnect Names Michael Martocci as CEO
o UrFriendCharles Launches Platform for Black-Owned Spirits
> Thursday: AI Outlook 2025 in Reston
o Briefly Noted: CGI Federal, Iridium Communications, Guidehouse, Level Access
New National Quantum Hub to Be Based at University of Maryland
College Park, Md. – The University of Maryland and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) on Monday announced the creation of the Capital Quantum Benchmarking Hub, a collaboration focused on testing and evaluating quantum computing prototypes and systems for national security and commercial applications. The hub will be based at UMD's Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS) located in the university's Discovery District, and is part of DARPA's Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI), designed to verify and validate a quantum computing approach that can be industrially useful by 2033. The news comes three months after Maryland Gov. Wes Moore launched the Capital of Quantum Initiative, a public-private partnership aimed at catalyzing $1 billion in investments. As part of the partnership, DARPA and the State of Maryland have agreed to provide matching contributions of up to $100 million each over a four-year period, depending on results achieved.
"As part of QBI, we are building the world's largest and most qualified independent quantum computing test and evaluation team, so that we can rigorously test commercial approaches to determine what's viable and what's hype," said Joe Altepeter, DARPA’s QBI program manager. "The Capital Quantum Benchmarking Hub will provide an additional research and testing facility for our experts to evaluate plans and systems of the quantum computing companies that progress through the QBI program."
Vienna-Based Spire Global Sells Maritime Business to Belgian Company
Vienna, Va. – In a move that will improve its balance sheet, Spire Global, a Vienna-based provider of space-based data, analytics and space services, said it has sold its maritime business to Belgian company Kpler for approximately $233.5 million. The company will use the proceeds to retire much of its outstanding debt. The news comes weeks after Spire revealed in an SEC filing that Kpler had originally failed to carry out the acquisition, first announced in November. Spire then filed a lawsuit against Kpler trying to force consummation of the deal, which is expected to significantly improve the company’s balance sheet. Kpler said both businesses will continue to operate independently until a review by the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) completes it review of the transaction.
The Agora Initiative Names 3 Startups to Present at Showcase
Washington, DC – The Agora Initiative, a DC-based organization supporting female founders from DC, Maryland and Virginia, announced three women-led startups that will pitch their business plans at the organization’s Spring Venture Showcase. Over 70 applicants applied to submit at the Showcase. The three picked companies are:
LymeAlert, an early Lyme disease detection via at-home tick tests.
Frontline Gig, an AI-driven hiring solutions for clean energy and skilled trades.
Ampere, a financing platform for manufacturers going electric.
Manassas-Based OneKonnect Names Michael Martocci as CEO
Manassas, Va. – OneKonnect, the Manassas-based developer of a technology platform connecting all participants across the insurance ecosystem, has named Michael Martocci as its new CEO. Martocci most recently served as a vice president at M Financial Group, and was previously a vice president at Sun Life. The company, known until 2023 as eBenefits Network, previously was led by Ash Rofail
Alexandria-Based UrFriendCharles Launches Platform for Black-Owned Spirits
Alexandria, Va. – UrFriendCharles.com, a new Alexandria-based commerce platform dedicated exclusively to Black-owned spirits, said it has launched operations. The company, founded by content creator and advocate Charles Everett, said the site will start with over 150 products from Black-owned spirit brands, with plans to add 100 more by year’s end.
"People want to buy Black — they just don't know where to start,” said Everett. “Walk into a liquor store and you're looking at hundreds, sometimes thousands of bottles. Even seasoned drinkers might only recognize a handful of names. That makes it hard for smaller brands — especially Black-owned ones — to stand out. UrFriendCharles gives them a spotlight.”
Potomac Tech Wire’s AI Outlook 2025 - May 1 (Reston)
We are just two days away from Potomac Tech Wire’s AI Outlook 2025 breakfast event, taking place on May 1 in Reston.
It truly is a “must-attend” event for the region’s venture, AI, and technology sector.
More information here: https://aioutlook2025.eventbrite.com/
Briefly Noted
(Fairfax, Va.) Fairfax-based CGI Federal, a technology and professional services company serving federal government agencies, said it has launched a fraud, waste and abuse prevention platform to support federal agencies. The company said the FWA platform, developed in partnership with TrackLight, is designed to help detect and prevent potential improper payments before they occur.
(McLean, Va.) Iridium Communications, the McLean-based satellite company, has named Rohit Braggs as its Vice President of Positioning, Navigation & Timing. Braggs was most recently the CEO of Safran Trusted 4D.
(McLean, Va.) McLean-based Guidehouse, the advisory, technology and managed services firm, has named Karen Odegaard as its new AI leader. Odegaard most recently served as the vice president of AI innovation and business development at ServiceNow, and earlier spent 17 years at Accenture.
(Arlington, Va.) Arlington-based Level Access, developer of a digital accessibility platform, has named Andrew Snyder as its chief customer experience officer. Snyder previously led the global customer experience team at Kyriba, where he oversaw thousands of customer engagements.