Rep. Salinas Announces Oregon Tech Officially Receiving Over $1 Million for Quantum Devices and Computing Initiative

Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06) announced that the Oregon Institute of Technology is officially receiving $1,031,000 in federal funding she secured for the university's Quantum Devices and Computing Initiative.

The funding is being distributed through the National Institute of Standards and Technology's Scientific and Technical Research and Services Community Project Funding program. Rep. Salinas secured the funding in the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations package.

"Quantum technology is moving quickly, and schools like Oregon Tech are helping lead the way," said Rep. Salinas. "This $1 million investment will give Oregon Tech students and researchers access to the equipment and hands-on training they need to build careers in a growing industry. I'm glad I was able to secure this federal funding because investing in Oregon's students, research, and innovation creates opportunities for working people and strengthens our economy."

The $1,031,000 will help Oregon Tech expand its quantum research capacity, upgrade specialized laboratory equipment, and provide hands-on education and workforce development in quantum science and engineering. The initiative will support work in areas including quantum computing, sensing, networking, and advanced quantum devices.

"Oregon Tech is deeply grateful to Congresswoman Salinas for securing over $1 million to support our Quantum Devices and Computing Initiative," said Dr. Nagi Naganathan, President of Oregon Institute of Technology. "This investment will help prepare the next generation of scientists, engineers, and technicians for careers in Oregon in one of the most transformative emerging fields of the 21st century. Quantum technologies have the potential to drive breakthroughs in healthcare, energy, transportation, and environmental sustainability, creating innovative solutions that improve lives and strengthen Oregon communities. We are proud to partner in advancing research and education that will deliver such meaningful benefits for society and we thank the Congresswoman for her leadership in this critical area."

Earlier this year, Rep. Salinas visited Oregon Tech to celebrate the funding's inclusion in the FY26 appropriations package with university leaders.

Rep. Salinas serves on the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and has made science education and workforce development a focus of her work in Congress. In April, she introduced the bipartisan Quantum Instrumentation for Science and Engineering Act, which would expand access to the specialized equipment and research facilities needed to advance quantum science and train the next generation of workers.

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