Massachusetts Backs MIT Quantum Systems Lab

The State of Massachusetts has announced that it is committing up to $25 million in state matching funds to support construction of a new Quantum Systems Laboratory at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, strengthening the Commonwealth’s position in quantum computing research, AI-enabled innovation, and advanced technology workforce development.

Governor Maura Healey announced the funding commitment on May 28, 2026, alongside Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll and MIT leadership. The state investment will help MIT create the Quantum Systems Laboratory in Cambridge, leveraging federal, private, and institutional funding to expand quantum research infrastructure in Massachusetts.

The Quantum Systems Laboratory is planned as a shared-use facility for academic, government, and industry users working across quantum computing, quantum sensing, advanced systems, and related technologies. The facility is expected to provide access to a tightly integrated quantum system and support planned initiatives such as a standard quantum peripheral benchmark, allowing outside collaborators, including commercial users, to develop sensors off site and connect them at MIT.

“This is a major economic development opportunity for Massachusetts that will strengthen our position as a global leader in quantum computing research, create hundreds of jobs and spur transformative scientific discoveries,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We’re also laying the foundation for future quantum computing companies to employ the students graduating from our colleges and universities in the years to come. We are proud to be home to the best research institutions and talent in the world, and we’re grateful for the leadership of MIT and President Kornbluth in this new scientific frontier.”

MIT President Sally Kornbluth said the new laboratory will help position Massachusetts for the next phase of quantum technology development, noting, “Greater Boston has the greatest concentration of quantum talent anywhere in the world, working on a range of potential applications. Through the new Quantum Systems Laboratory, we will help position Massachusetts to lead the next era of quantum technologies,” said MIT President Sally Kornbluth. “This facility will serve those at the edges of our wildest imaginations in physics and quantum computing, yes. But it will also equip the talent in our region — and ultimately, our nation — to push our knowledge to new limits, and new innovations.”

The project aligns with the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s technology and economic development priorities, including AI, quantum computing, advanced manufacturing, and emerging technology sectors. State funding will be drawn from the Commonwealth Federal Match and Debt Reduction Fund, which uses interest earned from the state’s Stabilization Fund to match federal funding and help attract additional investment.

Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley said the investment supports collaboration across research institutions, industry, and the state’s broader innovation economy.

“Quantum computing has the potential to reshape industries ranging from health care to defense to advanced manufacturing, and Massachusetts is uniquely positioned to help drive that work forward,” said Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley. “This investment strengthens a critical part of our innovation ecosystem, supports collaboration across research institutions and industry, and helps ensure that the next generation of quantum companies and talent are growing here in Massachusetts.”

The Quantum Systems Laboratory is also expected to support job creation and technical workforce development. According to the state announcement, the project is projected to support 164 full-time on-site construction workers and up to 100 jobs through the supply chain and professional services needed to support the project. Once operational, the laboratory is expected to house 220 permanent jobs.

The facility will also deepen MIT’s collaboration with public higher education institutions, including UMass Boston. MIT and UMass Boston are already partnering on a multi-year National Science Foundation award focused on quantum research to develop AI-based algorithms for quantum sensing and system identification. MIT intends to expand that relationship through thesis co-advising, resident QSL access for UMass Boston graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, and future federal funding opportunities built around QSL capabilities.

MIT’s quantum ecosystem has already contributed to companies such as QuEra and Atlantic Quantum. The new laboratory is expected to build on that foundation while complementing work underway through the Massachusetts AI Hub to support AI tools, infrastructure, and applications across sectors such as health care, manufacturing, and climatetech.  

Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew J. Gorzkowicz said the project reflects the state’s goal of using matching funds to support high-impact technology initiatives.

“I’m excited to be able to make this commitment of state matching funds to support a transformational project at MIT that will position Massachusetts to continue its global leadership in the fields of AI and quantum computing, while giving students an unrivaled opportunity to train for the jobs of the future,” he noted. “This is exactly the type of project we envisioned supporting when we partnered with the Legislature to create the Federal Match and Debt Reduction Fund, leveraging private and federal dollars to advance our economic development goals and attract future investment and job growth.”

The Massachusetts investment reflects a broader effort to retain and expand the Commonwealth’s leadership in science, engineering, AI, and quantum technology. By supporting a shared-use quantum facility at MIT, the state is positioning research infrastructure as both an academic resource and an economic development platform for future companies, technical jobs, and cross-sector innovation.  For more information, please click here.

Source: State of Massachusetts / MIT

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