State leaders are positioning New Mexico as a national hub for quantum computing, believing that the emerging technology could transform the local economy and create hundreds of high-tech jobs.
Quantum computing is widely seen as the next frontier in computing. It is attracting interest from states across the United States. But state officials say the state already has a competitive advantage due to its concentration of research institutions and federal laboratories.
“Two years earlier, we would have been too early for quantum. But two years from now, it will be too late,” said Economic Development Department Secretary Rob Black. He underscored the urgency of investing in the sector.
Momentum in quantum computing
The state has the momentum due to the presence of world-class research centers such as Los Alamos National Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratories. Both institutions are at the forefront of quantum technology development. The University of New Mexico Quantum Institute is another state asset, widely considered as one of the leading academic programs in the field.
The principles of quantum mechanics underpin the development of quantum computers, performing calculations that would take traditional computers far longer to complete. Quantum computing could revolutionize industries from finance, logistics, bioscience, and communications.
“Quantum computing has the capability of radically transforming our ability to innovate,” said Robert Ledoux. “It could be in finance, communications, logistics, navigation, computing, bioscience.”
$1-trillion industry
Analysts project the quantum computing sector could grow into a $1-trillion global industry by 2035. State officials aim to capture a substantial share of that market; lawmakers approved more than $100 million in incentives to attract quantum technology companies.
One of these companies is Qunnect, which opened the United States’ first open-ended quantum network in Albuquerque. “Other companies and researchers from national labs and universities can all come and use this network as a facility,” said Noel Goddard, CEO of Qunnect.
State officials say the sector has the potential to create thousands of jobs in the near future as the industry expands.
In 2024, New Mexico became the first quantum hub in the United States when it partnered with Colorado. University of New Mexico researchers consider offering an undergraduate degree in quantum science to help build the future workforce.
Why it matters
Quantum computing could transform industries and national economies. New Mexico hopes that investing early will help secure a leading role in what experts believe will be one of the most transformative technologies of the coming decades.