New York Offers $60M for Four Quantum Technology Hubs
New York State is inviting non-profit organizations to submit proposals for up to four quantum technology commercialization hubs, with a total of $60 million available in awards. Empire State Development (ESD) issued the Request for Proposals (RFP) on August 12. This is a solicitation for bids, and no funds have been disbursed yet. The state hasn’t specified when it will announce awardees or begin contracts.
State requirements
ESD anticipates awarding approximately $15 million per hub, though individual amounts may vary based on the proposal and the applicant’s financial need. Only one hub will be selected per New York economic development region. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) non-profits, including academic and research institutions. Consortia of two or more organizations may apply, provided a single lead organization serves as the fiscal agent and host.
Each hub must establish a physical facility equipped with laboratories, specialized equipment, and collaborative spaces. These facilities can be newly constructed or expanded and modified existing structures. The RFP states that each hub should have a primary specialization, such as quantum computing, sensing, or communications, while also supporting work in other quantum areas.
Eligible expenses are restricted to capital costs, including construction, renovation, equipment, and environmental remediation. General operating costs such as salaries, wages, rent, and marketing are typically excluded, thereby limiting how applicants can utilize the funds.
Proposal evaluation and next steps
ESD will evaluate submissions across several categories. Hub operations, industry partnerships, and startup incubation are each weighted at 20 points. Access to advanced tools and cost each account for 15 points, while diversity practices contribute the final 10 points. The infrastructure category specifically seeks resources like prototyping platforms, high-performance computing, device and materials fabrication, and shared laboratories.
Selected organizations will function as a statewide network rather than independent entities. They will be expected to coordinate commercialization strategies, launch joint initiatives, and potentially collaborate on federal funding applications. Performance will be measured by metrics such as the number of startups supported, university research commercialized, industry partnerships established, jobs created or retained, and revenue generated.
The application timeline is as follows: an information session is scheduled for August 21, with registration due by August 18. The deadline for questions is August 28, and proposals must be submitted by 2 p.m. Eastern on October 14. The state hasn’t yet announced when awards will be made or when the hubs are expected to open.
This RFP aims to leverage New York’s existing quantum research capabilities, which, according to the document, already encompass quantum computing, sensing, and secure communications across universities and laboratories statewide.