April 21, 2026

Initiative from seven research universities to drive innovation, jobs and statewide growth

In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, Pennsylvania’s seven research intensive universities have joined forces with the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center(opens in new window) (PSC), the commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Team Pennsylvania(opens in new window) to launch the Keystone AI + Quantum Factory, a statewide innovation network leveraging AI and quantum computing to translate university research into practical solutions for Pennsylvania's key industries. 

“This collaboration will serve as a powerful economic catalyst for Pennsylvania. It will transform groundbreaking research into solutions for the commonwealth's energy, manufacturing, agricultural, life sciences, AI, and robotics sectors, while driving lasting job creation and building a future-proof workforce,” said James Barr von Oehsen(opens in new window), executive director of PSC, a joint computational research center with Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh.

The network partners CMU, Drexel University, Lehigh University, the Pennsylvania State University, Temple University, University of Pennsylvania and University of Pittsburgh to accelerate scientific discovery and commercially relevant innovation through AI and quantum research. The co-development of an efficient shared computing and data infrastructure that no single institution could build alone aims to unlock breakthroughs that drive industry innovation, economic growth and good jobs for Pennsylvania.

“This initiative will turn world-class research into new companies, high-quality jobs and economic opportunity across the commonwealth. The Shapiro administration will continue to spur innovation and create jobs and opportunity for Pennsylvanians," said Jen Gilburg, Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development deputy secretary for technology and entrepreneurship.

This unified approach strengthens Pennsylvania’s ability to attract investment, keep its talent home and compete aggressively in the technologies shaping the next generation of economic stabilization. By connecting top research capacity with industry needs, it will support manufacturers in both rural and urban communities, boost competitiveness in crucial sectors like energy, agriculture and health care, expand access to advanced technologies previously unavailable for smaller businesses, create high-quality and family sustaining jobs, and build new career pathways for students.

“The Keystone AI + Quantum Factory shows what we can accomplish when we join forces across institutions and regions for the betterment of the commonwealth,” said Abby Smith, president & CEO of Team Pennsylvania.

The Keystone AI + Quantum Factory is built on three interconnected pillars designed to drive economic growth and success:

• World-class research: Using new tools to drive cutting-edge research, launch start-ups, and build smart partnerships with businesses across the commonwealth.
• Workforce development: Preparing students and employees across Pennsylvania for future-focused careers integrating technology.
• Shared infrastructure: Delivering large-scale GPU/CPU and data resources that are needed to lead in the era of AI as well as supporting leadership in emerging technologies.

As artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and advanced technologies reshape how regions and businesses compete, Pennsylvania possesses the research strength, industrial base, and workforce foundation to lead. The Keystone AI + Quantum Factory ensures those assets are aligned intentionally and strategically to secure long-term viability.

Participating university leaders emphasized the power of collaboration and the impact in Pennsylvania. Theresa Mayer(opens in new window), CMU’s vice president for research said that access to advanced computing is quickly becoming the limiting factor in both AI and quantum research.  

“This initiative changes that equation for Pennsylvania. By scaling access to both AI and quantum infrastructure across institutions, we are enabling more researchers and students to participate at the frontier — and to do so in ways that are collaborative, responsible and impactful,” she said.