The 2nd Tech Center adds a second research queue. It allows two research projects to run alongside one another instead of leaving every new project waiting for the first queue to finish. Construction requires Base level 16 among its conditions.
How parallel research works
Each project still has its own resource costs and technology requirements. Opening another queue does not remove prerequisite nodes or complete research that is already running.
For example, one queue can work on development while the other advances a military technology. The research trees show those paths and the effect of each node, including whether an improvement applies to one squad or a wider group.
Building progression
The 2nd Tech Center has the same published upgrade costs, durations and power as the 1st Tech Center. Both reach level 30 and 364,800 building power. Their initial construction requirements differ.
A Tech Center level and a technology level are separate forms of progression. The building contributes a research-speed effect, while the completed technology supplies its stated bonus or unlock. Having two queues gives you room for another project; each project must still be started and finished.
