The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech), in collaboration with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development, has awarded a significant grant of $3.8 million to UMass Boston. This funding aims to enhance the state’s leadership role in the ‘Second Quantum Revolution,’ supporting advancements in quantum computing, sensing, communication, and cryptography.
UMass Boston Chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco expressed enthusiasm about the grant, stating, ‘As we stand at the threshold of the next quantum leap for Massachusetts, this bold collaboration lights the way to a future fueled by discovery, inclusion, and shared prosperity.’ He emphasized that this partnership with Western New England University is set to develop an innovation ecosystem that benefits students and strengthens the state’s economy.
This recent grant builds upon an earlier investment of $1 million made by MassTech in 2022, which initiated a partnership between UMass Boston and Western New England University in Springfield, Massachusetts. That initial funding laid the groundwork for a statewide network of quantum research centers designed to expedite quantum hardware development and commercialization.
Governor Maura Healey underscored Massachusetts’ commitment to innovation and research, stating, ‘While the federal government is turning their backs on research and development, Massachusetts is leaning in to support our knowledge-based economy.’ The additional funding to UMass Boston will further enable advancements in quantum computing, driving innovation and discovery within various industries including cybersecurity, finance, pharmaceuticals, and materials science.
Massachusetts has a longstanding reputation for nurturing world-class talent that has propelled the digital age. This expertise is now being harnessed by both small and large enterprises to develop next-generation quantum technologies. The focus of the 2022 investment was primarily on building essential infrastructure for small businesses and facilitating access to advanced capabilities, such as cryogenic testbeds and specialized measurement hardware.
UMass President Marty Meehan commented on the significance of the collaboration, saying, ‘We have worked tirelessly at the University of Massachusetts to build our research enterprise into something that strengthens the university and drives the state’s economy.’ He also highlighted the importance of research from higher education institutions as a cornerstone of innovation, leading to commercialization, startups, and overall economic growth.
In addition, UMass Boston leveraged this state investment to secure an additional $5 million in federal funding aimed at expanding quantum research and establishing a Data and Quantum Science (DataQS) Center at the university.
Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll remarked on the success of the collaborative model, saying, ‘The initial funding demonstrated that a collaborative model works.’ The partnership between educational institutions and industry allows for meeting the demands of small businesses engaged in high-impact projects, while expanding capital resources and capabilities.
Another key feature of the initiative is the launch of the Quantum Jumpstart seed grant program. This new program aims to accelerate product development and validation by providing grantees with seed funding while also leveraging the expertise of the collaborative network. The Quantum Core Facility at UMass Boston will play a pivotal role in this effort, offering a strong platform for bringing new technologies to market.
Professor Matthew Bell, chair of the Engineering Department at UMass Boston, shared insights on the project’s scope. He mentioned, ‘This next phase will deliver cutting-edge testing and measurement infrastructure at UMass Boston and Western New England University, developed in close collaboration with industry partners.’ The establishment of a new quantum hardware packaging and assembly facility in Hatfield, Massachusetts, will create essential capacity for scaling lab-to-fab technologies.
A fundamental element of this project is quantum workforce development. By creating connections between local industries, university researchers, and students, the program aspires to train the next generation of quantum-aware engineers and technicians. These educational efforts will meet the industry’s growing demand for skilled professionals and offer upskilling pathways for those already in the workforce.
Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley emphasized the importance of this investment in bolstering Massachusetts’ position as a leader in quantum innovation. He stated, ‘By connecting our universities with industry partners, we are accelerating the move from breakthrough research to real-world applications, while building the talent and infrastructure that will anchor the state as a global hub in this transformative field.’
Looking at the broader market trends, the quantum computing sector, valued at approximately $866 million in 2023, is anticipated to reach $4 billion by 2028. Leading companies such as IBM, Google, Amazon, Honeywell, Microsoft, and Intel are heavily investing in this space, particularly focusing on hardware, which currently constitutes 82% of the market. However, the sector faces significant challenges in scaling quantum hardware due to limited development capacity and a shortage of skilled workers, especially in roles that require a quantum-literate workforce.
Carolyn Kirk, CEO of MassTech, noted, ‘MassTech has continued to support innovative projects to expand quantum computing in Massachusetts because we anticipate enormous growth potential in this sector.’ She acknowledged that the funding directed toward UMass Boston will enhance the talent pipeline, boost research and development in quantum technologies, and expedite commercialization.
The announcement of this grant took place at UMass Boston’s Venture Development Center and was followed by a pertinent discussion involving academic, industry, and government leaders, highlighting the collaborative effort aimed at fostering mutual growth and innovation within the realm of quantum technologies.
In conclusion, the new $3.8 million grant from MassTech represents a significant step towards strengthening Massachusetts’ landscape in the quantum technology sector, opening doors for new research, development, and workforce initiatives that will have lasting impacts on the state and beyond.
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