Insider Brief
- New York is offering up to $60 million to establish as many as four regional hubs focused on commercializing quantum technologies and supporting startups.
- Empire State Development anticipates awards of about $15 million per hub, with only one hub selected in each economic development region.
- Eligible nonprofit organizations must propose physical facilities that provide shared infrastructure, support technology development and startup incubation, and connect researchers with industry partners.
New York is seeking proposals to establish up to four quantum technology commercialization hubs across the state, offering as much as $60 million to turn research into startups, products and industry applications.
Empire State Development issued the Request for Proposals as part of the state’s effort to build on its existing quantum research base. The state expects to select as many as four nonprofit organizations, with awards anticipated at roughly $15 million each, although individual awards could be higher or lower depending on the proposals and financial need.
Only one hub will be selected in each of New York’s economic development regions.
The program marks an effort to address one of the broader challenges facing the quantum industry: moving technology from university and laboratory research into commercially viable products and companies.
According to the RFP, New York’s universities and laboratories already conduct research across quantum computing, sensing and secure communications. The hubs are intended to connect that research with companies, investors, equipment and other resources needed for commercialization.
Each hub would operate a physical facility providing access to laboratories, specialized equipment and collaboration space. Facilities could be newly constructed or created through the expansion or modification of existing buildings.
While each hub would maintain a primary specialization — such as quantum computing, sensing or communications — it would also be expected to support work across other areas of quantum technology.
Focus on Startups and Industry
The hubs would be responsible for helping researchers validate technologies, build prototypes and proofs of concept, and conduct pilot demonstrations with potential customers.
Startup development is another major component. Selected organizations would be required to establish programs specifically designed for quantum companies and connect founders with technical experts, business mentors, investors and potential corporate customers.
The hubs would also work directly with established businesses to identify potential quantum applications and organize collaborative pilot projects between companies and researchers.
The RFP calls for the hubs to operate as a statewide network rather than independent facilities. Selected organizations would participate in joint initiatives, coordinate commercialization strategies and potentially work together on applications for federal funding.
Performance would be measured through metrics including the number of startups supported, university research commercialized, industry partnerships and pilot projects, jobs created or retained, and revenue generated.
Nonprofits Eligible to Apply
Applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, including academic or research institutions. Groups of two or more eligible New York organizations can also apply as a consortium, although one organization must serve as the lead applicant, fiscal agent and host of the physical hub.
Applicants must demonstrate relevant experience in quantum research and development, technology incubation or operating comparable innovation centers.
Eligible funding expenses include construction and renovation, equipment, environmental remediation, furniture and certain other capital costs. Salaries, wages, rent, marketing and other overhead expenses are generally excluded.
ESD will score proposals across several categories. Hub establishment and operations, industry partnerships and startup incubation are each worth 20 points. Access to advanced tools and infrastructure and cost are each worth 15 points, while diversity practices account for the remaining 10 points.
The infrastructure category specifically includes resources such as prototyping platforms, high-performance computing, device and materials fabrication, advanced manufacturing equipment and shared laboratories.
An information session is scheduled for Aug. 21, with participants required to register by Aug. 18. Questions are due Aug. 28, and proposals must be submitted by 2 p.m. Eastern on Oct. 14.
The state has not set a date for announcing the winning proposals or beginning the contracts.
