Albuquerque, NM — July 14, 2025 — The National Science Foundation (NSF) has selected Quantum Moonshot, led by Elevate Quantum — in partnership with the New Mexico Economic Development Department, Sandia National Laboratories, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and the University of New Mexico — as one of only 29 semifinalists in the flagship Regional Innovation Engines program, positioning the Mountain West to secure up to $160 million over the next decade to translate quantum breakthroughs into jobs, companies, and national-security capabilities.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to reinforce New Mexico and the Mountain West’s role as a hub for cutting-edge quantum technologies. By leveraging the unparalleled expertise of our partners, we will drive new innovations, create high-skilled jobs, and keep our region at the forefront of this critical field for years to come.”
— Jake Douglass, Interim CEO, Quantum Moonshot & Quantum Business Development Lead, Sandia National Laboratories

Spanning New Mexico, Colorado, and the wider Mountain West, Quantum Moonshot unites national laboratories, research universities, community colleges, K-12, tribal nations, startups, and industry leaders to accelerate “lab-to-market” quantum solutions while building a robust talent pipeline.

“Quantum information technology will define the next industrial revolution. New Mexico is charging ahead to secure our place at the forefront of this transformation, and the NSF Engines program stands to accelerate that vision.”
— Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, State of New Mexico

“We’re building a future where New Mexico families are at the center of scientific discovery, workforce opportunity, and long-term prosperity. Quantum technology is poised to revolutionize our world, and New Mexico is now positioned to help lead that revolution.”
— Rob Black, Cabinet Secretary of the New Mexico Economic Development Department

The effort builds on Colorado and the region’s designation as a federal Tech Hub in October 2023 and the subsequent Phase 2 Implementation package that unlocked $127 million in combined federal and state funding, anchored by a $40.5 million EDA grant to construct open-access quantum fabrication and test facilities. These investments, alongside the 70-acre Quantum Commons campus in Arvada, Colorado, are catalyzing a globally competitive quantum cluster.

“Colorado is proud to be a leader in the quantum industry and this coalition shows that the West is a hotbed for innovation and groundbreaking technologies that create jobs and drive our economy. With Colorado’s designation as a quantum tech hub in 2023, we look forward to building on that success alongside New Mexico and partners in the West with this important Quantum Moonshot effort.”
— Governor Jared Polis, State of Colorado

Colorado has bolstered the effort with significant state programs, featuring tax-credit-backed financing and shared-facility incentives.

“Colorado has a legacy of investing in innovation and emerging technologies, including quantum, and previous EDA Tech Hubs funding has proven to be an important accelerator of that work. Colorado leads the world in quantum research, companies and jobs, and our quantum assets are already being applied into real-world applications. This additional funding will help ensure that Colorado and our partners in New Mexico continue to lead the development of this critical new technology and turn discoveries in the lab into real world applications that benefit all Americans.”
— Eve Lieberman, Executive Director, Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade; Board Director, Elevate Quantum

The University of New Mexico will help anchor academic research and workforce development through the Quantum New Mexico Institute (QNM-I) consisting of UNM, Sandia National Laboratories, and Los Alamos National Lab and dedicated to transformative breakthroughs in quantum information science.

“The momentum we continue to build around Quantum science represents not only a significant milestone for UNM but for our state and region. By securing this recognition through unprecedented partnerships, New Mexico is poised to establish itself as the pivotal center for our nation’s expanding quantum economy and workforce. This initiative not only underscores the state’s commitment to innovation but also invites additional collaboration and growth, ensuring that New Mexico plays a vital role in shaping the future of quantum advancements globally.”
— Ellen Fisher, Vice President for Research, The University of New Mexico

Next steps
The National Science Foundation will conduct a virtual site visit with Quantum Moonshot later this summer, followed by in-person finalist interviews in the fall. Ultimate award decisions are expected at year end.
This effort’s advancement to the Semifinals builds on decades of work of citizens across the region and drives home that New Mexico, Colorado, and the Mountain West is a global destination for research, commercialization, and impact for quantum.

About Quantum Moonshot
Quantum Moonshot is a Mountain West coalition leveraging the region’s exceptional quantum assets—from Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories to leading universities and startups—to translate quantum breakthroughs into economic growth and national security.

Media Contact
Elevate Quantum Communications
jason@goelastic.com