The State University of New York at Stony Brook has secured a $300 million investment from New York State to establish the Quantum Research and Innovation Hub. The announcement was made by Governor Kathy Hochul on September 17 at Stony Brook’s Center of Excellence in Wireless and Information Technology.
The planned 150,000-square foot facility will serve as New York’s main center for research and education in quantum science and technology, with a focus on quantum communication and networking. It will house the SUNY Stony Brook Quantum Institute, the state’s first hybrid Quantum Data Center at a university, and the SUNY Stony Brook Quantum Education Consortium. The hub aims to bring together research, computing, and workforce training to address complex challenges and improve internet security.
Governor Hochul stated, “At a time when national investment in research and innovation is at risk, New York State is doubling down and SUNY is on the move. The State University of New York at Stony Brook is a research powerhouse and will now be able to reach new heights in quantum. We know that to provide our state and nation with a brighter future, we need to invest today, and that is what New York is committed to do.”
Stony Brook University President Andrea Goldsmith said, “Stony Brook is proud to have built the largest quantum network in the United States. Through such transformative research, in partnership with New York State and SUNY, we are accelerating technology advancement and its positive impact across our state and beyond. The Quantum Research and Innovation Hub will spearhead the future of quantum computing and networking. Today’s historic investment further advances Stony Brook’s leadership in quantum science and technology, and showcases the bold ground-breaking research across our campus that delivers solutions to society’s most pressing challenges.”
The hub builds on Stony Brook’s existing leadership in quantum research. Empire State Development President Hope Knight commented on earlier support for the Long Island Quantum Internet Test Bed at Stony Brook as foundational for this initiative.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “ESD was proud to support the Long Island Quantum Internet Test Bed at Stony Brook, laying the foundation for New York’s leadership in this transformative field. The creation of the Quantum Research and Innovation Hub marks the next step in expanding research capacity, cultivating top talent, and advancing breakthroughs that will drive economic growth and cement New York’s position as a global leader in quantum technology.”
This funding comes as part of over $1.34 billion announced by Governor Hochul over three years for advanced research projects at higher education institutions throughout New York.
Since January 2023, SUNY at Stony Brook has received $72.5 million more in operating aid from direct state tax support along with $781.5 million in additional capital commitments from the state—including this latest allocation.
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, “The State University of New York at Stony Brook is leading the way on cutting-edge research and emerging technologies, and this historic investment will accelerate efforts to ensure New York State is a global leader for generations to come. SUNY is committed to achieving Governor Hochul’s goal to double research expenditures for the sake of our students and our state.”
Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie ‘90 added: “As a proud alumnus of Stony Brook University and a staunch supporter of the public education system in New York State, continued investment in our educational institutions are tantamount for the future success of the next generation. Our research universities have become the driving force behind technological and scientific advancements. As our SUNY system continues to expand, bridging the educational gap and fostering innovation, we must persist in making these investments that solidify New York and SUNY campuses as premier educational institutions.”
State Senator Monica Martinez ‘08 also commented: “This investment will give Long Island the bandwidth to be at the forefront of the next era of science and innovation,” she said. “The future Quantum Research and Innovation Hub at Stony Brook will build the infrastructure necessary to expand human understanding and drive the discoveries of tomorrow, creating new economic opportunities that strengthen our region and position New York to lead.”
Construction planning for this new facility is expected to take about three years with an anticipated opening date set for 2029.