NY CREATES, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) announced they are collaborating to advance Quantum Information Science Engineering and Technology and Microelectronics in New York State and the nation.
The New York Center for Research, Economic Advancement, Technology, Engineering, and Science (NY CREATES), Brookhaven Science Associates, which manages BNL on behalf of DOE’s Office of Science, and RPI have formalized a partnership to foster collaborative and mutually beneficial programs that will enhance intellectual exchange between the three organizations. The agreement lays the groundwork for joint research projects and other collaborations that will strengthen the quantum and microelectronics ecosystems in New York State and beyond, supporting timely U.S. efforts to reestablish its preeminence in areas important to national security and economic vitality.
“This strategic partnership, which leverages NY CREATES’ Albany NanoTech Complex, the nation’s most advanced public/private 300mm semiconductor research center, will advance technologies in the important areas of microelectronics and quantum, and we look forward to building on our strong relationships with BNL and working closely with RPI,” said NY CREATES President Dave Anderson. “By bringing together the expertise of NY CREATES, RPI, and BNL, we are poised to make substantial contributions to the quantum and microelectronics landscapes as we address the evolving needs of our industry partners.”
“Brookhaven Lab has the unique facilities, capabilities, and expertise in materials science needed to drive research in microelectronics and quantum technologies,” said John Hill, BNL’s Deputy Director for Science and Technology. “We believe this partnership is essential and well positioned to advance information science, engineering, and technology, areas crucial to our future economy—within NY State and across the nation.”
“We are excited to take this next step with NY CREATES and Brookhaven National Lab and further critical collaborations among our three institutions,” said Martin A. Schmidt, President of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. “This development comes at an opportune moment. New York is fast becoming an epicenter of quantum computing and microelectronics exploration and innovation, and in April we will officially unveil an IBM Quantum System One at RPI, the first deployed on a university campus. Having this system at RPI, and making it accessible to researchers and students in the region, will be an asset to this important partnership.”
Representatives from each organization signed a memorandum of understanding during a ceremony at NY CREATES’ Albany NanoTech Complex on Friday, February 9, 2024. The MOU will guide research alignment, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and developing joint research programs that leverage each partner’s strengths.
The three organizations will also establish joint programs in educational outreach and workforce development to support the next generation of researchers and address industry needs. The agreement will provide opportunities for graduate students and postdocs to pursue collaborative research at BNL, RPI, or NY CREATES’ facilities, enhancing their exposure to cutting-edge technologies. In addition, the MOU sets the stage for joint quantum technologies and microelectronics research-focused workshops, network engagement, and the collaborative use of each organization’s resources.