Westchester County Leaps into Quantum Computing

The Westchester County Office of Economic Development is pushing for growth in quantum computing, which uses the science of quantum mechanics to solve complex problems. According to McKinsey & Company's 2025 Quantum Technology Monitor report, 'surging investment and faster-than-expected innovation could propel the quantum market to $100 billion in a decade.'

The New York State government is also investing in quantum technology, with Governor Kathy Hochul announcing in her 2026 State of the State that investments in quantum technology will fuel innovation and create good-paying jobs. The county has partnered with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) to develop a workforce for the industry.

The partnership aims to bring people from various industries to see how quantum computing can help them, similar to the way artificial intelligence was adopted in different fields. SEEQC and IBM are already working together on quantum research and development in Westchester County, with SEEQC developing digital quantum computing platforms for businesses and IBM delivering tools to achieve near-term quantum advantage by the end of 2026.

The county's director of entrepreneurship and innovation, Deborah Novick, emphasized that while most jobs related to quantum are currently at the PhD level, there will soon be a need for people with different levels of education and skills, such as hands-on skills, cognitive skills, programming skills, engineering skills, manufacturing skills.