By: Mario Mancini

Curtis Priem, co-founder of the chip-making giant Nvidia, is spearheading a transformative initiative at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) by funding a groundbreaking quantum computer system. Priem, 64, has donated over $75 million to the Albany-area college to acquire the IBM-manufactured quantum computer, marking the first deployment of such a device on a university campus globally, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.

Priem’s vision extends beyond RPI’s campus in Troy; he aims to turn the surrounding Hudson Valley into a leading technology hub. “We’ve renamed Hudson Valley as Quantum Valley,” Priem told the Journal. “It’s up to New York whether they want to become Silicon State — not just a valley.”

Quantum computing, which uses subatomic quantum bits or “qubits,” promises to process data at speeds far exceeding those of conventional binary computers. These advanced systems are anticipated to significantly contribute to the development of cutting-edge AI technologies. Priem’s ambitious project includes covering the $15 million annual cost to rent the quantum computer, housed in a former chapel on RPI’s campus.

RPI President Martin Schmidt confirmed that the university will incorporate the quantum computer into its curriculum and ensure that students have access to this pioneering technology. This initiative positions RPI at the forefront of quantum computing education and research, providing students with hands-on experience in a rapidly evolving field.

Curtis Priem, an electrical engineer by training, co-founded Nvidia in 1993 alongside Jensen Huang, the current CEO, and Chris Malachowsky. Priem served as the company’s Chief Technology Officer until his retirement in 2003. Post-retirement, he sold most of his Nvidia shares and established a charitable foundation. As vice chair of RPI’s board, Priem has donated hundreds of millions of dollars to the university, demonstrating his long-standing commitment to advancing technology and education.

Nvidia, the company Priem helped establish, has become a cornerstone of the tech industry, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence. Nvidia’s chips are essential for AI development, driving the company’s value to unprecedented heights. Since January alone, Nvidia’s stock has surged by 95%, reaching nearly $942 per share. The company’s market capitalization now exceeds $2.3 trillion, ranking it as the third-most valuable company globally, following Microsoft and Apple. In November 2023, Forbes estimated that if Priem had retained his Nvidia shares, his personal fortune would be around $70 billion, making him one of the world’s richest individuals.

Priem’s investment in quantum computing at RPI is a testament to his forward-thinking approach and dedication to fostering innovation. By establishing the first university-hosted quantum computer and promoting the Hudson Valley as a tech powerhouse, Priem is not only enhancing the educational landscape but also positioning the region as a leader in the next wave of technological advancement. This initiative promises to attract top talent and businesses, driving economic growth and cementing New York’s status as a technological epicenter.

As quantum computing becomes more mainstream, the Hudson Valley, now dubbed “Quantum Valley,” is poised to become a significant player in the tech industry, potentially rivaling other major tech hubs. Curtis Priem’s contributions and vision are set to transform the region, making it a beacon of innovation and technological progress