University of Maryland

What University of Maryland does

The University of Maryland (UMD) is a public research university and the flagship institution of the University System of Maryland, founded in 1856 and located in College Park within the Baltimore-Washington corridor. UMD enrolls 41,000+ students (31,000+ undergraduates), employs 4,500+ faculty across 12 schools and colleges, and offers more than 300 degree programs spanning 100+ undergraduate majors and 230+ graduate programs. The university operates 150+ research centers and institutes and produces $1.5 billion in combined research expenditures (FY24, with UMB), ranking #9 nationally among public institutions for R&D spending and generating $3.7 billion in annual economic impact for the state of Maryland.

The university's research enterprise spans AI/machine learning, quantum computing, quantum networking, battery technology, brain-computer interfaces, biotechnology, and national security, anchored by the Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS)—one of only 15 Defense Department-designated University Affiliated Research Centers. Notable technical outputs include the Astrocyte-Neuron Hybrid AI system, Audio Flamingo Next (co-developed with NVIDIA), quantum phantom codes, and Smart Underwear hydrogen detection sensors. Core quantum and AI research is consolidated in the Discovery District, where the National Quantum Laboratory (QLab), Maryland Institute for Quantum Applications (MIQA), and partnerships with IonQ, Xanadu, and IQM Quantum Computers cluster around co-located federal labs (NIST, NASA Goddard, Army Research Lab).

UMD's revenue model is a hybrid of four streams: tuition and fees (with 68% of freshmen receiving financial aid and $236M awarded annually), federal research grants and contracts (DARPA, DOE, NSF, NOAA, NIH, ARPA-E), state appropriations, and philanthropy—including the $2.5 billion 'Forward' campaign and Clark Foundation contributions exceeding $364 million lifetime. Customer segments span prospective undergraduate and graduate students, federal research sponsors, corporate partners in quantum and defense (IonQ, Xanadu, IQM, HII), and healthcare systems collaborating on AI applications. Marketing and distribution rely on a sales-led admissions process targeting domestic and international students, complemented by research-driven brand visibility through athletics, federal contract wins, and ecosystem presence at the Discovery District.

Name

University of Maryland

Legal name

University of Maryland

Website

https://umd.edu

Company type

Private

Founded year

1856

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

The University of Maryland is a public research university and flagship of the University System of Maryland, serving 41,000+ students across 12 colleges with $1.5 billion in FY24 research expenditures spanning AI, quantum computing, biotechnology, and national security.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (61131)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Research Universities with Engineering/Polytechnic Emphasis (EDAHAAAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Technical Universities with Computing, Data & AI Focus (EDAHAEAK), STEM-Focused Public Research Universities (EDAHAAAE)

Keywords

• Higher education
• Research university
• Academic degree programs
• Quantum computing research
• Federal research contracts

Headquarters

HQ city

College Park

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations, Others

Revenue model

1. Tuition and fees: Primary revenue from undergraduate and graduate tuition, with 68% of freshmen receiving financial aid and $236M in financial aid awarded annually.
2. Research grants and contracts: Significant funding from federal agencies including DARPA, DOE, Army Research Laboratory, and other government sponsors for specific research initiatives.
3. Philanthropy and donations: Major fundraising campaigns including $2.5B campaign 'Forward: The University of Maryland Campaign for the Fearless' and $51.7M from Clark Foundation.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The University of Maryland is a public research university offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across 12 schools and colleges, alongside large-scale research and technology development in AI, quantum computing, energy, biotechnology, and national security. The institution operates applied research laboratories (including ARLIS and the National Quantum Laboratory), awards 300+ degree programs, and conducts $1.5 billion in annual research expenditures through partnerships with federal agencies (DARPA, DOE, DoD) and corporate entities (IonQ, Xanadu).

Product overview

The University of Maryland operates as a comprehensive public research university offering academic degree programs alongside substantial research technology products and services. The institution's research portfolio includes AI and quantum computing technologies developed through academic partnerships with companies like IonQ and Xanadu. Key research products include the Astrocyte-Neuron Hybrid AI System for anomaly detection, Smart Underwear for gut health monitoring, and Audio Flamingo Next (AF-Next) Large Audio-Language Model developed with NVIDIA. The university offers undergraduate AI degrees through its College of Arts and Humanities and College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences, developed in partnership with the Artificial Intelligence Interdisciplinary Institute at Maryland (AIM). Research infrastructure includes the Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS) and the National Quantum Laboratory (QLab), which provide quantum computing access through partnerships with IonQ and Xanadu. The Grand Challenges Grants Program funds interdisciplinary research across campus, while the Center for AI in Business supports small business AI adoption.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Bachelor of Arts in Human-Centered AI
• Bachelor of Science in AI: Computational Structures for AI Systems
• Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS)
• National Quantum Laboratory (QLab)
• Maryland Institute for Quantum Applications (MIQA)
• Grand Challenges Grants Program
• Center for AI in Business

Quantifiable outcome

• 47 national championships across athletic programs
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

AI capability13 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• IonQcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 April 2026$7.5 million multi-year expansion of QLab partnership to advance quantum computing, networking, and workforce development. Includes deployment of silicon vacancy-based quantum memory node.
• IQM Quantum ComputersmajorTechnology or Integration · 10 April 2026IQM establishing first U.S. Quantum Technology Center at Discovery District, collaborating with federal research institutions including NIST, NASA Goddard, and Army Research Laboratory.
• Xanadu Quantum TechnologiesmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 March 2026Partnership with ARLIS under Air Force's SEQCURE program to launch cybersecurity initiative focused on quantum computing security.
• DARPA and State of MarylandcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 April 2025Capital Quantum Benchmarking Hub established at UMD's Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security. DARPA and Maryland each contributing up to $100 million over four years for quantum computing benchmarking.
• XanadumajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 March 2025Three-year strategic partnership making Xanadu an industry partner in National Quantum Laboratory. Provides priority access to PennyLane programming platform and photonic quantum technologies.
• Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHII joined A. James Clark School of Engineering Corporate Partners Program for defense research and workforce development collaboration.
• Techstars AI Health BaltimoremajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerExpanded collaboration with University of Maryland Medical System, MedStar Health, and CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield for AI-driven healthcare startup accelerator.
• ION Storage SystemsmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner$4.8 million ARPA-E EVs4ALL program collaboration to develop faster-charging, more efficient solid-state lithium batteries for electric vehicles.
• COPT Defense PropertiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for development of ARLIS headquarters - $65 million, 110,000-square-foot facility in Riverdale Park, Maryland.
• IonQ (Maryland ecosystem)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIonQ exemplifies Maryland's commercialization strategy, raising $3.4 billion in 2025, as part of state's quantum ecosystem.
• PhasecraftminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPhasecraft joined ARLIS contract supporting DARPA's Quantum Benchmarking Initiative to develop resource estimates for quantum applications.
• TEDCOmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMaryland Innovation Initiative - over $2.1 million awarded to 13 recipients, collaboration between State of Maryland and five research institutions including UMD.
• Maryland Blockchain AssociationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBacking Maryland Blockchain Career & Innovation Week at Capitol Technology University, upskilling youth into blockchain professionals.
• State of MarylandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCapital of Quantum Initiative - $1 billion public-private partnership to establish Maryland as quantum hub, integrating federal labs, universities, and private industry.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• University of Michigan: Top-ranked public research university with comparable R&D spending scale, Big Ten peer, similarly large alumni base and federal research capture. Competes directly for talent, federal grants, and STEM graduate students.
• Virginia Tech: Public research university with comparable engineering/computing emphasis, federal research portfolio (DoD/DARPA), and quantum/AI research ambitions. Comparable scale (~40,000 students) and similarly positioned in the Mid-Atlantic research corridor.
• Georgia Institute of Technology: Top-tier STEM-focused public research university with comparable computing/engineering focus, strong industry partnerships (similar to IonQ/Xanadu model), and significant federal research capture in AI and defense.
• University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA): Top-ranked public research university with comparable research expenditures, engineering and computing programs, federal research capture, and large student body. Big Ten member (joined 2024) and similar position in rankings.
• Purdue University: Public research university with comparable engineering emphasis (top-ranked polytechnic-style programs), large R&D portfolio, Big Ten peer, and federal research partnerships in defense and AI.
• University of Maryland, Baltimore: UMD's MPowering the State strategic partner since 2012; together they report $1.5B combined research expenditures and share MPower-aligned health, law, and research initiatives. The most direct peer given formal partnership and shared system status.
• Pennsylvania State University: Large public research university with comparable scale (~46,000 students), Big Ten peer, and significant federal research portfolio in defense, materials science, and energy. Competes for similar R1 research status and graduate students.
• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: Public research university with leading computer science/AI programs, comparable R&D scale, and Big Ten peer status. Direct competitor in quantum computing (IBM Q Network partnership) and AI research.

Broad incumbents

• University of California, Berkeley: Larger public research leader with top-ranked engineering, computing, and quantum programs. Competes for the same faculty, federal grants, and industry partnerships in AI and quantum.

Regional players

• Johns Hopkins University: Maryland-based private research university with massive federal research portfolio (applied physics lab), competing with UMD for federal funding and STEM talent in the Baltimore-DC corridor. Direct geographic competitor for federal agency partnerships.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/UnivofMaryland
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/UMDMedia
• Instagraminstagram.com/universityofmaryland
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/school/university-of-maryland
• TikToktiktok.com/@universityofmaryland
• Xx.com/UofMaryland

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Subsidiaries15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds13 records

Investors11 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments6 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about University of Maryland