Governor Abbott Announces Funding Grant to UT Austin's Texas Quantum Institute

Governor Greg Abbott announced that a $4.6 million Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF) grant will be given to UT Austin’s Texas Quantum Institute (TQI) this Tuesday.

The grant was provided to the establishment of UT Austin’s QLab, a quantum metrology lab in Austin. According to their website, their main objective is advancing “human living experiences” by advancing technology in metrological fields through research.

“Texas is the new frontier of innovation and UT Austin is where world-changing discoveries in quantum research and development are being made," said Governor Abbott. "Through this TSIF grant, QLab will acquire state-of-the-art instrumentation that will be used to advance semiconductor manufacturing in Texas by leveraging new developments in quantum science and technology. Texas will continue to lead the nation with quantum leaps into the future.”

The CHIPS Act made the TSIF to encourage innovation within semiconductor research, design and engineering. After the bill was signed into law by Gov. Abbott in 2023, the Texas legislature appropriated $698.3 million to the TSIF. Those eligible for the grant include state facilities, higher educational institutions and private business.

The QLab will serve alongside other research and development institutions to grow quantum industries in Texas. “The Texas Quantum Institute is grateful for the continued support of the State of Texas and UT Austin,” said TQI Co-director Elaine Li.

“The innovative work of the faculty and researchers at UT Austin has helped make Central Texas a national hub for semiconductor innovation,” said Senator Sarah Eckhardt.

With metrology at the heart of the semiconductor industry, this investment will help those in Texas become leaders within the field.