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N.M. Delegation Welcomes $41 Million from CHIPS & Science Act to Strengthen New Mexico’s Leadership in Quantum Computing

Elevate Quantum Tech Hub to tap University of New Mexico, Los Alamos,and Sandia National Laboratories to bring quantum computing to scale

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) are welcoming $41 million from the U.S. Department of Commerce to the Elevate Quantum Tech Hub. Elevate Quantum Tech Hub, a consortium led by Elevate Quantum, will use the funding to implement three projects that will scale up the production and delivery of critical technologies to maintain America’s competitive edge in quantum computing.

“New Mexico is leading the nation in the development and deployment of cutting-edge technologies, and this investment is the latest proof of that,” said Heinrich, a member of the Conference Committee for the CHIPS and Science Act. “I’m proud to welcome this announcement that will further solidify the role of our national labs in accelerating the growth of industries of the future, bolster UNM’s leadership in a rapidly emerging field, and create new, high-quality jobs that New Mexicans can build their families around.”

“I’m proud that the Biden-Harris administration is investing in New Mexico to maintain our state’s leadership in technology and innovation. This investment will help address the challenges of the future, from health care to climate change,” said Luján, Co-Chair of the Senate National Labs Caucus. “With New Mexico’s national laboratories, we are well-positioned to increase competition, strengthen national security, and create new, good-paying jobs.”

"When Congress passed and President Biden signed the CHIPS and Science Act, we knew that it was time to spur technological advancement and economic opportunity to every corner of our nation—especially in places like New Mexico. The Elevate Quantum Tech Hub funded by these laws underscores how ready New Mexico is to build America’s next generation technology hub," said Leger Fernández. "The INCLUDE and CREATE projects will boost New Mexico’s capabilities in quantum technology and bring high-quality jobs and cutting-edge equipment to our state’s premier institutions. By leveraging our local expertise and facilities, we will be one step closer to our goal of building an Enchanted Innovation Economy that benefits New Mexico and America's global leadership in technology."

“The new Elevate Quantum Tech Hub will strengthen our region’s ability to produce and deliver technologies that will keep America a leading force in quantum computing,” said Stansbury. “This will also bring new, good paying jobs to New Mexicans and keep talent right here in the Rio Grande area.”

“I am proud to welcome this funding to support tech research and development in Las Cruces and throughout the state. This is exactly the type of investment New Mexico needs to bring more good-paying jobs and ensure New Mexico is a leader in the economy of the future,” said Vasquez. “Our state’s history has shown that with the right resources and support, New Mexicans can build and discover amazing things—strengthening our domestic innovation and production.”

As one of 12 Tech Hub Designees selected for implementation funding, Elevate Quantum Tech Hub will leverage this award to support projects that are:

  • Constructing open-access quantum labs and fabs to enable rapid prototyping and low-volume manufacturing of critical quantum technologies;  
  • Providing inclusive workforce development programming across universities, including the University of New Mexico, and companies to ensure a skilled and diverse talent pool in the region; and 
  • Coordinating the consortium’s overall strategy, stakeholder and investor engagement, and executive management to execute the Tech Hub’s vision.

The Elevate Quantum Tech Hub seeks to solidify the region’s global leadership in quantum information technology to enable progress in areas such as artificial intelligence, climate tech, and healthcare. Tapping into regional expertise and assets, including leading national laboratories like Sandia and Los Alamos National Labs, this Tech Hub will build on existing relationships between the regional research community and private sector to unlock transformative technologies needed to move quantum-based products to market.

In October 2023, Elevate Quantum Tech Hub was selected as one of 31 Designated Tech Hubs as part of Phase 1 of the new Tech Hubs Program, a flagship initiative aimed at advancing U.S. leadership in critical technologies and industries. The designation is a strong endorsement of the consortium’s regional plan to supercharge its respective critical technology ecosystem and become a global leader over the next decade.

The Tech Hubs Program was authorized by the CHIPS and Science Act. 

For more information on this EDA funding, click here.

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