NYC Partnered With NYU on Quantum Lab QFab

The city invested $30 million in a new research lab at New York University to advance local quantum technology.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Quantum Computing

NYC Partnered With NYU on Quantum Lab QFab

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Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced an agreement with New York University to establish QFab, a new quantum technology laboratory. The city is funding the project with a $30 million investment.

Why it matters

The initiative aims to stimulate the local economy while delivering economic justice to less advantaged populations in New York City. By securing a share of intellectual property proceeds, the city seeks to ensure public returns on government-funded research.

The city is investing $30 million to construct the QFab quantum technology lab at New York University. New York City will retain a 15 percent share of proceeds from intellectual property developed using city-funded tools.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

Zohran Mamdani is the Mayor of New York City.

New York University

New York University is a major private research institution located in New York City.

The details

This partnership marks the first agreement initiated under the reimagined Economic Development Corporation. The city funds the laboratory construction in exchange for equity-like revenue sharing, a strategy that aligns with government efforts to take equity stakes in private sector partnerships.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the partnership agreement on October 14, 2026.
The Commerce Department claimed an option for a Westinghouse stake in October 2025.

The Tech Race

The agreement marks the first implementation of an equity-stake model under the city's reimagined Economic Development Corporation. This shifts the city's role from a simple grant provider to an equity partner in the local quantum research sector.

The city's investment focuses on long-term economic development rather than immediate consumer-facing technology. Residents may see future benefits through local job creation and participation in the growing quantum technology sector.

The takeaway

The city is positioning itself as a stakeholder in advanced research to capture future economic gains. Residents should monitor how these public investments evolve alongside other initiatives like the Commerce Department's interest in entities like Westinghouse.