NEW MEXICO – The New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) has launched the Quantum Technologies Award Pilot Program, a new state grant focused on supporting the growth or relocation of these types of companies.
EDD Secretary-Designate Rob Black noted that the New Mexico Quantum Technologies Award Pilot Program (NMQTA) is a competitive state grant that awards non-dilutive funds to early-stage companies working in quantum technologies that are either located in the state or are establishing a presence in the region.
Earlier this year, Albuquerque was deemed a potential quantum technology hotbed by a major industry publication.
“Through EDD’s Office of Strategy, Science and Technology, the state is investing in partnerships to grow the quantum technology industry,” said Secretary-designate Black.
In 2023, EDD formally partnered with Colorado and the Elevate Quantum consortium, which includes Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories, the University of New Mexico and Central New Mexico Community College, for a proposal to the EDA Tech Hubs program on the quantum information technology industry in the Mountain West region. This proposal was awarded both Tech Hubs designation and start-up funding, making this region the first and only major local investment the U.S. government has made in the quantum industry.
The state also supports the New Mexico Quantum Moonshot, a proposal to the National Science Foundation’s Regional Innovation Engines program focused on advancing dual-use quantum technologies that address national security and civilian needs in clean energy, materials science and communications.
“Quantum technologies will be as transformative in the next 50 years as semiconductors were in the last half century. New Mexico is already a world leader in pioneering quantum research, which forms the basis for major technologies commercialized around the world,” said Zachary Yerushalmi, Elevate Quantum CEO and Regional Innovation Officer.
Applications for the NMQTA Pilot Program are now open and will be accepted on a rolling basis through May 30, 2025. Eligible proposals will demonstrate the potential and plan to develop and grow businesses in the field of quantum technology, including technologies that rely on or enable quantum superposition or quantum entanglement.
Applicants must be for-profit technology companies that are committed to maintaining a commercial presence in New Mexico for a minimum of two years. Up to five awards of US$100,000 each will be made.
