Technology investment

AFRL Rome Lab Receives $293M for Quantum Tech Efforts

The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory in Rome, New York, has secured over $293 million in federal funding to support its efforts in quantum technology development.

The funds include $25 million for the development of an advanced quantum photonic system and chips for quantum supercomputers and $10 million for the Quantum Computing Testbed that will be located at the Innovare Advancement Center. Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand said the allocation will help the U.S. compete with China in quantum technologies and other tech spaces, WKTV reported Thursday.

According to Schumer, the funding will allow scientists at Rome Lab to support the organization’s missions and keep the U.S. ahead of competitors. He added that the monetary injection could help improve the facility’s technologies and further establish Upstate New York as the home of the United States’ hub for security technology.

Rome Lab was designated as the Quantum Information Science Research Center for the U.S. Space Force and the U.S. Air Force in 2021. It develops information technology solutions for air, space and ground systems that are being used by state and federal government agencies, academic institutions and private industries.

The AFRL facility is working with the Innovate Advancement Center, which develops artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and quantum technology to support national security and global competitiveness.