Quantum Resources for New York's Research, Education and Public-Sector Community

Quantum technology continues to move from research labs into real-world applications. 

Significant public and private investments are accelerating advances in quantum computing, communications, sensing and cybersecurity, while New York state is emerging as one of the nation's leading centers for quantum innovation.

For technology leaders, the most important takeaway is that "quantum" is not a single technology. It is a collection of related disciplines, each with different levels of maturity, timelines and potential impact on organizations.

Four Disciplines of Quantum Technology

Quantum Computing (QC)

Quantum computers use qubits to process information in fundamentally different ways than classical computers. While large-scale, fault-tolerant systems remain several years away, advances continue at a rapid pace and researchers are actively exploring applications in optimization, chemistry and machine learning.

Current status: Emerging technology with an estimated commercial horizon of two to 10 years.

Quantum Communication (QN)

Quantum communication uses principles such as entanglement to enable highly secure information exchange. Active testbeds already exist in New York state, including SCY-QNet on Long Island and RoQNET in Rochester.

Current status: Experimental but advancing quickly, with real-world deployments and research networks already underway.

Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC)

Unlike other quantum disciplines, post-quantum cryptography is relevant today. These cryptographic standards are designed to protect information from future quantum-enabled attacks. NIST finalized its first post-quantum cryptography standards in 2024, and organizations are being encouraged to begin planning migration strategies.

Current status: Available now and increasingly important for long-term cybersecurity planning.

Quantum Sensing (QS)

Quantum sensing uses quantum phenomena to measure time, gravity, magnetic fields and other physical properties with extraordinary precision. It is currently the most mature quantum discipline, with practical applications already being deployed.

Current status: Commercially available in select use cases with growing adoption.

New York's Growing Quantum Ecosystem

New York state has positioned itself at the center of the national quantum landscape through investments in research, infrastructure, workforce development and commercialization.

Recent investments and initiatives include:

• $625 million for Department of Energy National Quantum Information Science Research Centers, including Brookhaven National Laboratory's Center for Co-Design of Quantum Advantage (C2QA)
• $300 million investment by New York state to establish the Quantum Research and Innovation Hub at Stony Brook University
• $4 million National Science Foundation award supporting the SCY-QNet quantum networking initiative
• $2 million in federal funding supporting expansion of RoQNET's quantum networking research

These investments reflect a broader strategy to build quantum research capacity, strengthen workforce development and create pathways for commercialization across New York state.

Resources

At Nysernet, we believe one of the best ways to prepare for emerging technologies is through shared learning and community discussion. The resources below provide a starting point for understanding the current quantum landscape, exploring active research efforts and tracking developments that may influence mission-driven organizations in the years ahead.

New York State

National

Quantum Computers

Quantum Networks

Institutional Research