Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has signed an agreement between the state of New Mexico and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to create the Quantum Frontier Project. This initiative is part of DARPA’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI), which aims to determine if utility-scale quantum computing can be achieved by 2033.
The new partnership will involve New Mexico’s universities, private sector innovators, and national laboratories in efforts to advance research, engineering, and testing for quantum technologies. According to Governor Lujan Grisham, “Quantum computing may prove to be the most consequential technology of this century for national security and breakthrough innovations. New Mexico, having once pioneered applied physics, is excited to partner with DARPA on the QBI program to stay at the forefront of frontier technology and bring our world-class research, development, and entrepreneurial ecosystem into the fold.”
Economic Development Secretary Rob Black emphasized the economic potential: “This agreement makes it clear: New Mexico is stepping up to lead in the industries of tomorrow. Quantum computing means jobs, innovation, and a stronger economy for our state, and we intend to seize this moment in the global race.”
Under this framework agreement, both DARPA and New Mexico could provide matching contributions totaling up to $120 million over four years. These investments will support research projects, infrastructure improvements, and independent verification efforts related to QBI and the Quantum Frontier Project.
Joe Altepeter, QBI program manager at DARPA said: “New Mexico is the latest state to enter into partnership on QBI, and we are eager to leverage new facilities and expertise as we test and evaluate claims from a number of quantum computing companies about their progress in building a useful quantum computer. World-class national laboratories in New Mexico, such as Sandia and Los Alamos, are already a part of QBI’s independent verification and validation team, and we look forward through the Quantum Frontier Project to tapping into more of the state’s quantum R&D and testing infrastructure to help us determine whether quantum computers will work or not.”
The announcement comes amid significant activity in New Mexico’s quantum sector. Recently Roadrunner Venture Studios was chosen as a partner by Economic Development Department (EDD) for deploying $25 million aimed at accelerating quantum innovation within New Mexico. In addition this week Albuquerque hosts IEEE Quantum Week which brings together international experts from science industry sectors focused on advancing quantum technologies.
Similar partnerships under QBI have been established with Illinois—home of Quantum Proving Ground—and Maryland—site of Capital Quantum Benchmarking Hub. With its strong base in advanced research along with public investment commitments and collaborations across industry sectors New Mexico seeks positioning as a leader nationally regarding future breakthroughs in quantum computing.
