Hochul’s State of the State Highlights Quantum Investment and Innovation Strategy

In her 2026 State of the State address, New York Governor Kathy Hochul outlined an ambitious plan to strengthen the state's leadership in advanced technologies, with quantum science emerging as a central pillar of her innovation agenda. The State of the State builds on a landmark announcement made by Governor Hochul in 2025: a $300 million state investment to establish the Quantum Research and Innovation Hub at Stony Brook University.

The address reinforced New York's commitment to research-driven economic growth, workforce development, and strategic public investments that position the state to compete globally in next-generation technologies.

Among the proposals highlighted were initiatives to fuel innovation, expand good-paying jobs, and deepen partnerships between higher education, industry, and government. The Governor emphasized that sustained investment in research infrastructure is essential to securing New York's long-term competitiveness, particularly in fields such as quantum information science, semiconductor design, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology.

A Historic Quantum Investment at Stony Brook

One of the largest state investments in quantum research nationally, the funding for the Quantum Research and Innovation Hub underscores Stony Brook's role as a cornerstone of New York's quantum strategy.

The Quantum Research and Innovation Hub is designed to serve as New York's premier center for quantum information science and technology, with a particular emphasis on quantum communication and networking. The hub builds on Stony Brook's internationally recognized research strengths, including leadership in quantum networking and secure communications, and will support faculty, students, and industry partners working at the forefront of this rapidly advancing field.

By anchoring this investment at Stony Brook, the state is leveraging an institution with deep expertise, existing infrastructure, and a track record of interdisciplinary collaboration to accelerate discovery and translation in quantum science.

From Research Excellence to Economic Impact

Governor Hochul's State of the State made clear that research investments are inseparable from workforce and economic development. Her proposals emphasize creating pathways from university-based discovery to industry application, ensuring that New Yorkers are prepared for high-demand careers in emerging technology sectors.

The Quantum Research and Innovation Hub is expected to play a critical role in this ecosystem by supporting education and training programs, attracting top-tier talent, and fostering partnerships with industry and government. As quantum technologies move closer to real-world deployment, these efforts position New York to lead in areas such as secure communications, advanced computing, and national security-relevant technologies.

Positioning New York for National Leadership

The Governor's renewed emphasis on quantum science reflects a broader national and global race to lead in technologies that will shape the future economy. With sustained state support and a flagship hub at Stony Brook, New York is making a long-term commitment to remain at the forefront of quantum research and innovation.

For the Stony Brook community, the State of the State signals strong confidence in the university's research enterprise and its capacity to deliver scientific breakthroughs with lasting societal and economic impact. As the Quantum Research and Innovation Hub advances, Stony Brook will continue to serve as a key driver of New York's vision for innovation-led growth.