Ahead Of World Quantum Day, Senator Gillibrand Tours The Innovare Advancement Center

Ahead Of World Quantum Day, Senator Gillibrand Tours The Innovare Advancement Center

Apr 13, 2026

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand visited the Innovare Advancement Center to underscore the intersection of national security, economic development, and New York State's leadership in the manufacturing and development sectors. The Griffiss Institute stewards the Innovare Advancement Center on behalf of Oneida County. During her visit, the senator also highlighted her recently introduced Advancing Regional Quantum Hubs Act, which would support regional quantum innovation initiatives and position the United States as a global leader in quantum information science and technology. Quantum technologies have far-reaching implications for our country's national security, economic competitiveness, and technological leadership.

The Advancing Regional Quantum Hubs Act would amend the National Quantum Initiative to require support for regional quantum innovation initiatives and enhance the educational and research capabilities of regions that have strengths in quantum fields. Representatives Laura Gillen (D-NY) and Jay Obernolte (R-CA) introduced companion legislation into the U.S. House of Representatives.

"Quantum technologies have vast potential to help protect Americans, strengthen national security, and drive economic growth," said Senator Gillibrand. "The Griffiss Institute, along with the bevy of other innovations they are at the forefront of, are leaders in this sector. Providing regional quantum innovation initiatives with increased federal support will help make sure that communities in New York and across the country have the resources they need to innovate, compete, and lead. New York is at the cutting edge of quantum research and development, and I'm proud to support legislation like this to help innovators thrive in our state and boost regional economies."

"Senator Gillibrand's visit to the Innovare Advancement Center highlights the critical role Oneida County and the Griffiss Institute play in advancing cutting-edge technologies that strengthen our national security and drive economic growth," said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. "As we approach World Quantum Day, it's clear that investments like the Advancing Regional Quantum Hubs Act will help ensure our region and our nation remain at the forefront of quantum innovation. These partnerships continue to build a highly skilled workforce and foster collaboration that positions Upstate New York as a hub for the future of quantum technology."

"The Advancing Quantum Regional Hubs Act reinforces and accelerates the work underway in Rome, New York to continue the advancement of quantum information sciences in support of national security. It strengthens a coordinated effort across government, academia and industry to build resilient, secure capabilities that ensure our nation remains protected through science, while positioning the United States as a global leader in this critical domain," said Heather Hage, President and CEO, Griffiss Institute.

"The bipartisan Advancing Regional Quantum Hubs Act underscores the United States' commitment to advancing innovation in quantum information science and technology," said Mary Carol Chruscicki, CNY Defense Alliance Executive Director. "By supporting the nation's quantum innovation hubs, the legislation will strengthen regional Quantum ecosystems and position the U.S. as a global leader in quantum technology. The Alliance appreciates Senator Gillibrand's leadership on expanding our nation's capacity for innovation in quantum technology, especially her commitment to growing New York's public and private quantum research initiatives- including efforts anchored by the Air Force Research Laboratory and Griffiss Institute."

"Ahead of World Quantum Day, Senator Gillibrand's legislation recognizes that regional collaboration is the heartbeat of the quantum age. This Act incentivizes New York's world-class startups, academia, and industrial leaders to unite and leverage our greatest regional advantage to accelerate both breakthrough science and the real-world ROI of quantum technologies. Strengthening these local partnerships doesn't just build technology; it secures our nation's future and ensures New York plays a leading role in that success," said Abhishek Chopra, Founder & CEO of BosonQ Psi (BQP).

The Griffiss Institute is a nonprofit talent and technology accelerator that supports the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL/RI). It fosters collaboration between government, academia, and industry to drive innovation in national security, Artificial Intelligence, and quantum sciences, while fostering STEM education.

Senator Gillibrand highlighted thevital role the Griffiss Institute plays in Upstate New York's economy and its ripple effect on the statewide workforce.

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