Hochul unveils $360M quantum tech package led by Stony Brook

Stony Brook University will receive $300 million to build a Quantum Research and Innovation Hub, the central component of New York State's new quantum technology strategy. Governor Kathy Hochul announced the plan on October 23, citing a new study that positions the state as a national leader in the field. The investment is part of a total $360 million package designed to accelerate research and commercialization across the state.

The "Quantum Technology Landscape Study" was commissioned by Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation, known as NYSTAR, in partnership with Quantum Insider. The report found that New York ranks second in the nation in quantum-related businesses, research groups, and patents. California is the only state that ranks higher in all three categories. New York is also one of only two states with capabilities spanning the entire quantum technology value chain.

The study identified 134 quantum-related operating entities, 219 research groups, and 734 patent families across the state's ten regions. These figures place New York behind only California in terms of total quantum activity. The report notes that the state has the infrastructure to move from fundamental research to advanced manufacturing and commercial applications.

Hochul stated that the state is building the foundation for the next generation of technological breakthroughs. She said quantum technology represents an enormous opportunity for the state's economy. "With world-class research institutions, advanced manufacturing capabilities and a growing network of innovative businesses, we have the tools to lead this emerging industry," Hochul said. She added that the investment will help turn potential into progress and bring new technologies to market.

SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said the investment supports researchers and facilities across the state system. "SUNY is driving research innovation and moving New York State forward thanks to the strong support of Governor Hochul and state leaders and their investment in our researchers and state of the art facilities," King said. He noted that Stony Brook, along with SUNY centers at Buffalo, Binghamton, and Albany, is leading the way in quantum research.

The $300 million allocated to Stony Brook will support collaboration among academic researchers, startups, established companies, and government partners. The university already has expertise in quantum information science and quantum networking. The hub is expected to support applications in secure communications, health care, and advanced computing. The remaining $60 million of the state package will establish up to four Regional Quantum Technology Commercialization Hubs.

The study projects that the combined $360 million investment could generate between $2.3 billion and $5 billion in economic activity. It also estimates the investment will support between 7,200 and 10,100 job-years through 2036. These figures are based on the current state of quantum technology development and the planned expansion of the statewide network.

NYSTAR partners with Stony Brook University to fund key research centers and industry collaboration. The division already operates the Center for Biotechnology and the Center for Grid Innovation Development and Deployment at the university. The new quantum hub will build on these existing partnerships to expand the state's quantum ecosystem.

The strategy aims to connect universities, researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry partners into a single statewide network. Stony Brook's role is to serve as the centerpiece of this ecosystem. The initiative relies on the university's existing research enterprise and its commitment to research excellence under its ASPIRE 2035 plan.