RPI wants the Hudson Valley to become a Quantum Valley

TROY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute unveiled the world's first quantum computer on a university campus in April. Now, the college is focusing on how to harness the technology to its full potential.

A panel at RPI Monday posed the question: Can the Hudson Valley become Quantum Valley? Speakers included RPI President Martin A. Schmidt, Congressman Paul Tonko, Darío Gil, Senior Vice President and Director at IBM Research, and Kraig Sheetz, Vice Dean for Engagement and Research, U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

“We now have a quantum computer that allows our students to learn how to use it, because we think in about four or five years--if you look at IBM's roadmap--you're going to have quantum computers that will solve problems that you can't solve with a classic computer," said Schmidt, "and so this gets us ready for that moment.”

The quantum technology expands what's possible for computers, but the field is currently hindered by a shortage of skilled practitioners, according to RPI.

“We want all the other educational institutions in the region to really lean into this," Schmidt said, specifically listing West Point and UAlbany.

A recent report from McKinsey and Company says quantum computing is expected to boost the automotive, financial services, and life services industries by more than $1 trillion over the next decade. According to Congressman Tonko, investment from the federal government will be crucial in getting the ball rolling.

"We need to make certain we keep pace in this global, competitive edge, to make certain that we're leaders and seen as the go-to on quantum computing," said Tonko.