On May 28, MIT President Sally Kornbluth and Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey revealed plans for a new lab aimed at accelerating advancements in quantum technologies, ensuring Massachusetts remains a leader in quantum innovation. At the Samberg Conference Center, they introduced the Quantum Systems Laboratory (QSL) at MIT, a shared facility intended to boost quantum development and maintain the United States’ leading position in this vital field.
“Quantum technologies have the potential to drive transformative change in fields from computing and security to navigation, health sciences, defense, and space exploration,” Kornbluth stated. She emphasized the concentration of quantum talent in Greater Boston and the potential to establish Massachusetts as a national hub by enhancing this talent with state-of-the-art facilities.
The Quantum Systems Laboratory will integrate a cutting-edge quantum computer with essential components to make it scalable for addressing complex problems. These components include sensors and quantum interconnects, which are channels for transferring quantum information. Situated in MIT’s Building 39, the lab will be accessible to both MIT and external researchers.
With a $25 million state investment, matching federal funding already at MIT, the Institute plans to start construction on the QSL facility this summer. This funding complements MIT’s financial commitment and philanthropic support from Thomas Tull. Governor Healey remarked, “The return on investment is clear,” highlighting the lab’s potential for scientific and economic growth.
The new lab will house the MIT Quantum Initiative (QMIT) announced by Kornbluth in December. It will complement existing facilities like MIT.nano and MIT Lincoln Laboratory’s SQUILL foundry, which share the goal of democratizing access to high-quality facilities. Kornbluth noted that QSL would be open to users from other institutions, including the University of Massachusetts and Harvard, to establish Massachusetts as a global center for quantum research.
Leading in quantum innovation is crucial for national prosperity and security, requiring carefully controlled environments. The new facilities will provide scientists with advanced quantum hardware and capabilities necessary for realizing the full potential of quantum science. The lab aims to deliver extensive scientific, workforce, and economic benefits to the public.
Quantum technologies promise significant opportunities in life sciences and defense, contributing $50 billion to the local economy, with many startups in the area. The lab is expected to create new jobs in academic research and startups, with over 150 full-time, on-site jobs and 75 to 100 jobs across the Commonwealth in support roles during construction.
MIT startups are vital to the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. A 2015 report by Sloan Professors Edward Roberts and Fiona Murray showed that MIT alumni have founded over 30,000 active companies, employing 4.6 million people and generating $1.9 trillion in annual revenues, surpassing the GDP of the world’s 10th-largest economy in 2014. The QSL facility will equip startups with the necessary tools and facilities for quantum technology development, boosting the local innovation economy.
Original Source: news.mit.edu
