Omidyar Network applauds California legislation establishing quantum innovation zones

REDWOOD CITY, CA – Today, Omidyar Network praised Governor Gavin Newsom’s signing of AB 940, landmark legislation that creates quantum innovation zones for R&D and jobs in California. President Michele L. Jawando released the following statement:

Quantum technology is projected to generate trillions of dollars in value over the coming decade and California is making a strategic choice: to lead this revolution in a way that creates broadly shared opportunity. By aligning higher education, local governments, technology firms, and other key stakeholders through GO-Biz, this law positions California to capitalize on its unparalleled scientific expertise while ensuring that the quantum economy generates high-quality jobs and economic growth across communities. We applaud Assemblymember Wicks’s foresight in advancing AB 940 and cementing California’s leadership in quantum innovation. This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking governance our digital future demands — public policy that pairs technological advancement with intentional choices about who benefits.”

This follows Governor Newsom’s signing of SB 53, which Omidyar Network praised earlier this week. Omidyar Network endorsed AB 940 this summer as part of a broader package of California bills advancing accountability, data privacy, antitrust enforcement, and fair labor standards in the age of AI. A full list of our policy positions and endorsements is available here.