News Summary
The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative has awarded UMass Boston a $3.8 million grant aimed at advancing quantum technologies. This funding will enhance research in areas such as quantum computing, sensing, and cryptography, fostering collaboration with Western New England University and creating a statewide innovation ecosystem. Additionally, UMass Boston secured $5 million in federal funding and launched the Data and Quantum Science Center, marking a significant step towards establishing the state as a leader in quantum innovation and driving economic growth.
Boston, MA – The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech) has awarded the University of Massachusetts Boston (UMass Boston) a substantial grant of $3.8 million intended to advance the state’s position in quantum technologies, a critical aspect of the “Second Quantum Revolution.” This funding is poised to support the development of emerging technologies such as quantum computing, sensing, communication, and cryptography, which are anticipated to fundamentally transform several industries, including cybersecurity, finance, pharmaceuticals, and materials science.
UMass Boston Chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco has highlighted the significance of this funding in constructing an innovation ecosystem in collaboration with Western New England University. This initiative builds upon a previous $1 million investment from MassTech in 2022, which established a partnership between UMass Boston and Western New England University in Springfield, Massachusetts. The earlier funding was instrumental in setting up a statewide network of quantum research centers, aimed at accelerating the development and commercialization of quantum hardware.
Governor Maura Healey expressed Massachusetts’ steadfast commitment to innovation and research, even in light of cuts to federal research funding. The state is home to significant talent in technology, facilitating the growth of next-generation quantum technologies. The 2022 investment focused on improving infrastructure for small businesses, providing them with access to advanced cryogenic testbeds and specialized measurement hardware. This effort resulted in the creation of a quantum core measurement facility that is shared between UMass Boston and Western New England University.
In addition to the grant from MassTech, UMass Boston secured an extra $5 million in federal funding for quantum research and established the Data and Quantum Science (DataQS) Center. The latest project includes a Quantum Jumpstart seed grant program, which is designed to speed up quantum product development and validation. Furthermore, the Quantum Core Facility at UMass Boston is expected to serve as a hub for commercializing new technologies.
A new quantum hardware packaging and assembly facility will be developed in Hatfield, Massachusetts, adding to production capabilities in the region. This initiative not only aims to innovate within quantum technologies but also seeks to create a skilled workforce by linking local industries with university researchers to train engineers and technicians with a focus on quantum knowledge.
According to Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley, this program will significantly aid in transforming breakthrough research into practical applications and establishing a global hub for quantum innovation. The quantum computing market was valued at $866 million in 2023, with projections estimating it will reach $4 billion by 2028, indicating substantial growth potential within the sector. MassTech CEO Carolyn Kirk recognized the ongoing opportunities for growth in quantum computing through continuous investment in research and the development of talent.
The announcement regarding this grant was made at UMass Boston’s Venture Development Center, which hosted discussions among leaders from academia, industry, and government. This initiative is regarded as a pivotal step in establishing Massachusetts as a leader in quantum technology and driving economic growth fueled by innovation.
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Additional Resources
- The Quantum Insider: UMass Boston Secures $3.8 Million for Collaborative Expanding Quantum Hardware Development
- Quantum Computing Report: The State of Massachusetts is Launching a New Quantum Computing Complex
- NVIDIA News: NVIDIA to Build Accelerated Quantum Computing Research Center
- MassLive: Why NVIDIA Picked Boston for New Quantum Computing Center
- GovTech: Mass Invests in Quantum Computing and Cybersecurity for Jobs
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