BOSTON, Mass. – The Healey-Driscoll administration has awarded $4,994,520 to establish a Quantum Computing Complex at the Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center (MGHPCC) in Holyoke. The MGHPCC will work with their industry partner for this grant, QuEra Computing Inc., on a two-year project to install and deploy a state-of-the-art neutral atom quantum computer.
The complex will facilitate open access research and application development across the state, allow for quantum hardware innovation, and provide hands on training and internship opportunities for students.
“Massachusetts is breaking new ground as the first state in the nation to fund and install this novel quantum computing complex at a High-Performance Computing Center,” said Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao. “This project will catalyze the growth of a local quantum industry in Western Massachusetts, create new career paths in the industry, and drive innovation across several sectors including biomedical research and financial services.”
“This pioneering investment will enable researchers from across the MGHPCC’s university partners to gain access and leverage the power of quantum for work on algorithms and the application advances that will propel quantum computing within our lifetimes,” said Innovation Institute Director Pat Larkin. “Not only can we expect breakthrough applications that have the potential to transform industries, but this user-driven innovation on the software side will drive change and innovation on the hardware systems necessary to scale quantum computing.”
The two-year project totaling $16,000,000 is funded in part by $11,000,000 in matching funds from QuEra. MGHPCC is well positioned to manage access to the Quera System based on its experience as a contributor to national computing infrastructure initiatives such as ACCESS, the National Research Platform, and the Open OnDemand platform. The New England Research Cloud, a classical computing system that operates within the MassOpen Cloud Alliance (MOC Alliance), will make the quantum computer accessible to academic researchers in the open-source community.
The announcement was made at the Josephine A. Fiorentino Community Center in Boston and was followed by a roundtable discussion with business leaders, government officials and academics on how best to advance the quantum ecosystem in the state.
“This is a significant day not only for the City of Holyoke, but for all of western Massachusetts, where manufacturing has played and continues to play a significant role in our region’s economy. Massachusetts has always led the nation in creativity and innovation, and that legacy continues as we become the first state to fund and install a novel quantum computing complex. With this announcement, we mark the beginning of a new era of economic opportunity with the advancement of quantum computing,” said Congressman Neal (D-MA 1st District). “Investments in core quantum research programs were a focal point of the CHIPS and Science Act – legislation that was drafted in the Ways and Means Committee under my chairmanship. Hundreds of millions of dollars will be invested through 2027 as we reestablish the United States as a leader in cutting-edge technology. I am thrilled that the Commonwealth will lead the charge in these efforts, and from western Massachusetts nonetheless.”
“This investment in the Massachusetts quantum ecosystem will attract talent across the globe to advance research and increase commercial opportunities in this emerging sector,” said Massachusetts Technology Collaborative CEO Carolyn Kirk. “With funding made available from the Healey Driscoll administration and the legislature, we can establish this quantum complex and effectively support our industry partners. In turn, they will lead new, innovative projects, provide hands-on training, and connect researchers across the state.”
"We are excited about bringing this new asset to the robust university quantum research ecosystem,” said MGHPCC Executive Director John Goodhue. “The state continues to be a great partner in supporting technology innovation."
“We are thrilled to support the growth of quantum computing in Massachusetts, where QuEra has deep roots through our partnerships with MIT and Harvard and access to world-class talent,” said QuEra Interim CEO Andy Ory. “By enabling businesses, academia, and research organizations to leverage cutting-edge quantum capabilities, we aim to reinforce Massachusetts’ position as a hub of innovation and prepare the next generation to lead in this groundbreaking field.”
“Tech evolves more quickly than other sectors and, as elected officials, it’s important that we keep our finger on the pulse to inform the policy we make and the funding we allocate.” added Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier (D-Pittsfield). “I am thrilled to see that we are building on the success of MGHPCC in Western Massachusetts, another clear indication that the Healey-Driscoll administration is keeping its commitment to invest in the whole state.”
"Massachusetts is home to incredible innovation, and I am grateful to see funding allocated to advance the quantum ecosystem in our state.” State Senator Barry R. Finegold (D-Andover), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies. “We can't get comfortable with the status quo; new investments ensure we don't just maintain our lead - we grow it."
"Establishing this quantum computing complex in our Commonwealth highlights our continued leadership in technology and innovation", said Rep. Jerry Parisella (D-Beverly), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies. "This complex will add to our state’s competitive edge and open new possibilities for our growing economy."
The Innovation Institute has previously made major investments in quantum facilities at colleges and universities across Massachusetts including UMass Boston, Western New England University and Northeastern University. Last year, the Innovation Institute sponsored Quantum Massachusetts, an international quantum conference in Boston. The conference followed the release of a Quantum Computing Ecosystem Study, which identified Massachusetts as a “global hub” for quantum computing.
About the Innovation Institute at the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech)
The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech) is a quasi-public economic development agency that strengthens the competitiveness of the tech and innovation economy by driving strategic investments, partnerships, and insights that harness the talent of Massachusetts.
The Innovation Institute is the division of MassTech created in 2003 that advances innovation and cluster growth across the state in four ways:
- Conducts research and analysis that improves the state’s understandings of unmet needs and opportunities in the innovation economy
- Serves as convener and key strategic broker within various sectors
- Manages high-value projects on behalf of the state
- Makes strategic investments in support of innovation-based economic development
For more information, visit https://innovation.masstech.org/.
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