A quantum computing chip fabricated at UC Berkeley was chosen by California Gov. Gavin Newsom as one of the state’s contributions to a time capsule to be buried in honor of the nation’s 250th birthday, or semiquincentennial.
The time capsule was built and its contents assembled by the congressionally mandated America250 organization to represent all 56 U.S. states and territories, three branches of the federal government and other national partners and institutions. Sealed in June, the capsule will be buried on July 4 at Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia and unearthed again in 2276 — the nation’s 500th birthday, or quincentennial.
Among California’s seven contributions to the time capsule, Newsom selected several items reflecting the state’s innovation economy, including the quantum chip and a segment of a conductor fabricated in San Diego for an experimental nuclear fusion reactor.
“These items represent the innovative technology California leads the nation and globe in, capturing the remarkable spirit and communities that make the Golden State one-of-a-kind,” the governor’s office wrote in a June 15 announcement.
Also included in the time capsule were a letter to future Californians from the governor and his partner, and a prediction of the state’s future generated by Anthropic’s AI agent, Claude.
“We’re thrilled that a qubit chip from UC Berkeley is among California’s distinguished contributions to the America250 time capsule,” said Chancellor Rich Lyons. “It’s a fitting symbol of the indispensable role public higher education plays in driving American innovation — and a reminder that the discoveries happening on our campus today will shape tomorrow.”