Stony Brook Secures $300M Investment to Drive the Next Quantum Revolution

Funding from the State of New York will establish the Quantum Research and Innovation Hub and help build a faster, smarter, and more secure internet

The State University of New York at Stony Brook, home to the nation's largest quantum network and pioneering research in quantum communication, computing, and education, has received a $300 million investment from New York State to establish the Quantum Research and Innovation Hub.

This first-of-its-kind hub will be New York's premier facility dedicated to leading-edge research and education in quantum science and technology, with a particular focus on quantum communication and networking. Planning and construction will take approximately three years with an estimated 2029 opening.

The 150,000-square foot facility will house the planned SUNY Stony Brook Quantum Institute, New York State's first hybrid Quantum Data Center at a university, and the SUNY Stony Brook Quantum Education Consortium, bringing together research, computing, and workforce training to solve society's most complex challenges and build a faster, smarter, and more secure internet.

"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," said New York State Governor Kathy Hochul, who made the landmark announcement September 17 at Stony Brook's New York State Center of Excellence in Wireless and Information Technology (CEWIT). "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 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," said Stony Brook University President Andrea Goldsmith. "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."

Building on Stony Brook's current leadership in quantum research, the hub positions the university to become one of the premier global centers for Quantum Information Science and Technology, ensuring that the United States leads the world in this critical technology area.

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."

The funding is part of more than $1.34 billion announced by Governor Hochul over the last three years in state and matching private sector funding commitments for cutting-edge research by New York's leading higher education institutions.

Reversing years of disinvestment, since January 2023 the State University of New York at Stony Brook has received $72.5 million in additional Direct State Tax Support operating aid and $781.5 million in additional state capital commitments (including the $300 million for the Quantum Research and Innovation Hub).

"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," said SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. "SUNY is committed to achieving Governor Hochul's goal to double research expenditures for the sake of our students and our state."

"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," said Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie '90."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."

"This investment will give Long Island the bandwidth to be at the forefront of the next era of science and innovation," said Stony Brook alumna and State Senator Monica Martinez '08. "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."