Rob Black, Cabinet Secretary-Designate | New Mexico Economic Development Department
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has signed an agreement between New Mexico and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to launch the Quantum Frontier Project. The initiative is designed to speed up the development, testing, and validation of quantum technologies.
The partnership is part of DARPA's Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI). The project will use resources from New Mexico’s universities, private companies, and national laboratories to expand research efforts in quantum computing. QBI’s goal is to determine if utility-scale quantum computing can be achieved by 2033.
“Quantum computing may prove to be the most consequential technology of this century for national security and breakthrough innovations,” said Gov. Lujan Grisham. “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 stated: “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 the agreement’s framework, both DARPA and New Mexico could provide matching contributions totaling up to $120 million over four years. Funding will go toward 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.”
Recently there has been growth in New Mexico’s quantum sector. Last month saw Roadrunner Venture Studios selected as a partner by the Economic Development Department (EDD) for a $25 million investment aimed at advancing local quantum innovation. In addition, Albuquerque is currently hosting IEEE Quantum Week—a gathering for leading scientists and engineers focused on quantum technology.
The Quantum Frontier Project follows similar collaborations with Illinois’ Quantum Proving Ground initiative and Maryland’s Capital Quantum Benchmarking Hub. These efforts highlight New Mexico's ongoing investments in advanced research along with industry partnerships that support its position as a leader in developing practical applications for quantum computing.
