May 2026
IN THIS EDITION...
Jessi Olsen named CEO of Elevate Quantum
IonQ opens R&D lab in Boulder, CO
Three Consortium members earn federal funding
Quantinuum files for IPO
Jobs, events, and more!
The Quantum Lead
Colorado School of Mines Establishes Nation’s First Quantum Systems Engineering Bachelor’s Degree
Elevate Quantum is entering its next chapter. Following the planned transition of founding CEO Zachary Yerushalmi, Jessi Olsen has stepped into the role of Chief Executive Officer.
Over the past year and a half as COO/CFO, Jessi has been instrumental in shaping EQ's strategy, building its operational foundation, and translating the federal Tech Hubs vision into real momentum across Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming. She inherits one of the most ambitious regional quantum ecosystems in the country at an inflection point, billion-dollar IPO filings, federal equity investments in EQ consortium members, and a workforce build-out that's only just beginning.
Our thanks to Zach for his leadership in bringing EQ to life and getting the organization to escape velocity. And our congratulations to Jessi as she takes us forward.
Click below to read the announcement via LinkedIn.
Quantum Research
IonQ Cuts Ribbon on 22,000-Square-Foot Boulder Lab
On May 12, IonQ officially opened its new Quantum Computing R&D and semiconductor chip testing facility in Boulder.
The 22,000-square-foot lab at Boulder 38 will host IonQ's next generation of semiconductor ion trap chip design and testing, with the first fully installed quantum computer expected on site by Q3. The company said it expects to create dozens of new high-paying deep-tech jobs at the facility, eventually scaling past 100. Governor Jared Polis, Boulder Mayor Aaron Brockett, CU Boulder Chancellor Justin Schwartz, OEDIT's Eve Lieberman, and EQ CEO Jessi Olsen joined IonQ leadership at the ribbon-cutting.
"This is a big bet for us," said IonQ Chairman and CEO Niccolo de Masi.
The choice of Boulder, Polis said, was "a natural home."
Quantum Investment
Three Elevate Quantum Consortium Members Receive $100M
In one of the largest federal validations the quantum industry has ever received, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced on May 22 that three Elevate Quantum members - Atom Computing, Infleqtion, and Quantinuum - will each receive $100 million as part of a $2 billion CHIPS-era incentive package, with the federal government taking a minority, noncontrolling equity position in each company in exchange.
The funding will accelerate domestic manufacturing, hardware development, and the path to utility-scale quantum systems.
"This federal investment from the Department of Commerce is a powerful validation of Colorado's status as a global epicenter in the quantum race," said Eve Lieberman, Executive Director of OEDIT. "By backing our homegrown companies, this funding will directly accelerate commercialization, attract more private capital to the Mountain West, and generate thousands of high-skill jobs for Coloradans."
Quantum Future
Elevate Quantum, FRCC, and CU Denver Launch EQUIP to Close Cryogenics Workforce Gap
Elevate Quantum, in partnership with Front Range Community College and the University of Colorado Denver, has launched the Vacuum and Cryogenic Technician Training Program, a first-of-its-kind, badge-based workforce initiative housed at Quantum Commons.
The program, called EQUIP (Elevating Quantum Upskilling through Industry Proficiencies), is built around stackable 10-to-40-hour credentials covering vacuum systems, feedthroughs, 4K dry cryostat operations, dilution refrigerator operations, helium leak detection, and systems integration. Unlike traditional coursework, EQUIP is designed to deliver technician-ready talent capable of operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining complex cryogenic and quantum systems from day one.
"The workforce gap in cryogenics is one of the most concrete, near-term barriers to the growth of the quantum industry," said Jessi Olsen, Elevate Quantum CEO. "We built this program because we've seen the need first-hand here in the Mountain West, where even highly educated candidates often can't get the hands-on time they need to be ready for open roles. Thanks to Front Range Community College and CU Denver, we're fixing that."
Colorado Senator John Hickenlooper joined the announcement at Quantum Commons. "The quantum revolution is here. This partnership is how we make sure Coloradans don't just witness the next great scientific era. They define it."
The first cohort launches this August.
Quantum Future
Quantinuum Files for $1B+ IPO
Elevate Quantum member Quantinuum made history with its plans to raise up to $1.05 billion in what is the world’s first traditional initial public offering that would rank as the largest listings yet for a quantum computing company, according to Quantum Insider.
Quantinuum develops both quantum computing hardware and software. Quantum computers use quantum bits, or qubits, which differ from conventional computer bits because they can use the principles of quantum mechanics — such as superposition and entanglement — to make calculations in fundamentally different ways. Researchers and companies are pursuing the technology for applications in areas such as chemistry, optimization, machine learning and cybersecurity.
Have an event, job posting or achievement to celebrate with the quantum community? Click below to submit your information, and we’ll update here and on our website!