February 10, 2026 -— New York University’s goal to become a major hub for the next generation of quantum computer technology will benefit from $1 million in congressionally directed spending secured by New York’s own U.S. Senators, Charles Schumer, the Senate Minority Leader, and Kirsten Gillibrand. The funding will be used to purchase state-of-the-art equipment for quantum research.

This will be the first time that next-generation Thermal Laser Epitaxy (TLE) technology —which allows for atomic-level purity, minimal defects, and streamlined application of a diverse range of quantum materials—is used in the United States, positioning New York state to become a national leader for quantum innovation and benefiting a wide range of industries, including finance, technology, and manufacturing. Adopting this technology will enable NYU to enhance industry partnerships, attract top faculty from around the world, and help accelerate the commercialization of quantum technologies developed in New York. It will also benefit the University’s research partners, including Brookhaven National Laboratory, Columbia University, IBM, and others, while expanding the economic impact across the state’s innovation ecosystem.

“We would like to thank Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for their support for this key investment in quantum research equipment,” said NYU President Linda G. Mills. “This emerging technology will continue to position New York State as a national leader in quantum materials and device research, which has attracted industry and academic collaborations that drive job creation throughout the region.”

“Quantum computing sensing and materials are an exciting and new future for New York's innovation sector and economy,” said Juan de Pablo, NYU’s Anne and Joel Ehrenkranz Executive Vice President for Global Science and Technology and executive dean of NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering. “This new equipment will not only position NYU to be at the forefront of ideation within the quantum space, but will also build on the momentum we are generating in science and technology.”

"I was thrilled to spearhead a $1 million federal investment for New York University to invest in the most updated and innovative quantum technology equipment,” said Senator Schumer. “Finance, semiconductor, and advanced manufacturing companies located throughout the state will be key beneficiaries of the R&D that emerges from this investment, further positioning New York as a global leader in technology and in building the future."

"New York University’s students, faculty, and partners are at the forefront of harnessing quantum information science to unlock real-world applications in advanced manufacturing, materials science and engineering, financial services, and other important fields,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I’m thrilled to have delivered $1 million in federal funding for NYU to invest in critical quantum research equipment, which will help secure New York’s position as a national leader in emerging technologies like quantum computers, sensors, and communication devices. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue fighting for robust federal funding and resources to drive cutting-edge research and development, promote innovation, and support entrepreneurship across our state.”

NYU recently announced the formation of the NYU Quantum Institute (NYUQI) to bring together the vast resources working on quantum across the university into one umbrella entity. NYUQI will serve as a world-class research hub in the heart of New York City in order to unlock discoveries and applications of quantum information sciences in fields as varied as physics, engineering, materials science, computer science, biology, chemistry, and medicine. Led by Javad Shabani—professor of physics, director of the Center of Quantum Information Physics, and an expert in quantum materials and devices for computation technologies—the NYUQI will solidify New York as a leader in the global quantum ecosystem.

The federal funding follows a series of significant strategic investments by NYU to establish itself as a quantum research and education leader. In October 2023, NYU opened the NYU NanoFab at full capacity, the first academic nanofabrication cleanroom in Brooklyn. The 2,500-square-foot state-of-the-art facility on NYU Tandon School of Engineering’s campus serves as a regional prototyping hub for advanced superconducting and semiconducting quantum devices, providing critical infrastructure for quantum hardware development. It will house the new equipment provided by Senators Schumer and Gillibrand.

NYU Tandon also introduced an undergraduate minor in quantum technology in 2024, which has since expanded to all NYU undergraduates. Most recently, in October 2025, NYU Tandon launched a Master of Science in Quantum Science & Technology, joining a handful of U.S. institutions nationwide offering graduate degrees in this emerging field to address surging industry demand.