Governor Hochul Announces New Study Highlighting New York’s Position as a National Leader in Quantum Technology

New York’s Quantum Leap: Study Confirms State as National Leader

Governor Kathy Hochul today unveiled a comprehensive study commissioned by Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR). The report ranks New York second in the United States for quantum‑related businesses, research groups, and patent families, underscoring the state’s growing influence in an industry poised to reshape multiple sectors.

A Snapshot of New York’s Quantum Landscape

• 134 operating entities and 219 research groups are active across ten regions, reflecting a broad geographic spread of expertise.
• 734 patent families linked to quantum technology place the state just behind California on all three benchmarks.
• The study identifies New York as one of only two states covering the full quantum value chain—from fundamental research to manufacturing and commercial applications.

These metrics illustrate a robust ecosystem that includes world‑class universities (SUNY Stony Brook, Buffalo, Binghamton, Albany), advanced manufacturing facilities, and a growing network of startups and established firms.

Strategic Investments and Economic Impact

New York has earmarked $360 million to accelerate quantum development:

• $300 million for the Quantum Research and Innovation Hub at SUNY Stony Brook, envisioned as the centerpiece of a statewide network.
• $60 million for up to four Regional Quantum Technology Commercialization Hubs, each serving as a local anchor for incubating startups, providing mentorship, and offering access to quantum computing resources.

The study projects that these investments could generate $2.3 billion to $5 billion in economic activity and create 7,200 to 10,100 job‑years through 2036. By fostering coordination among researchers, manufacturers, and end‑users, the state aims to translate scientific breakthroughs into market‑ready products.

Coordination as the Next Frontier

While New York’s assets are impressive, the report highlights a key opportunity: greater collaboration across the ecosystem. Aligning university research with industry needs, streamlining pathways for technology transfer, and establishing clear commercialization pipelines are identified as critical steps to maintain and extend the state’s competitive edge.

NYSTAR’s Executive Director Ben Verschueren emphasized that orchestrating the existing network—much like the state’s semiconductor strategy—will unlock “incredible economic potential.” The upcoming Regional Hubs are designed to serve precisely this purpose, acting as bridges between discovery and deployment.

Broader Context and Federal Support

New York’s quantum push aligns with national trends. The United States has committed roughly $8.9 billion in federal funding for quantum initiatives, while global public and private investments exceed $42 billion. Recent federal awards to New York firms—such as a $1 billion CHIPS & Science Act partnership with IBM and a $375 million grant to GlobalFoundries—reinforce the state’s strategic position.

Looking Ahead

The study will inform NYSTAR’s long‑term strategy, guiding the rollout of commercialization hubs and shaping policies that encourage private investment and talent development. As quantum technologies mature—promising advances in healthcare, cybersecurity, logistics, and more—New York’s coordinated approach aims to ensure the Empire State captures a substantial share of the emerging market.

Bottom line: New York’s $360 million quantum commitment, validated by a rigorous state‑commissioned study, not only cements its status as a national leader but also provides a clear roadmap for turning scientific promise into economic reality through coordinated research, manufacturing, and commercialization efforts.