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Ask anyone who works in quantum, and they will tell you it is going to change the world. Some even say it will be as crucial to the next 50 years as the internet was to the last — and Colorado’s quantum scientists and industry leaders are at the forefront of the revolution.
“Quantum is one of the most important new technologies of our lifetime,” said Dan Salvetti, Semiconductor Industry Manager for the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade (COEDIT).
Quantum technology is widely recognized as transformational. Quantum computing alone is projected to drive $3.5 trillion in economic growth, with applications in finance, artificial intelligence (AI), and materials analysis already gaining traction.
We are one of only two states with multiple large-scale quantum computing companies and the only state with significant quantum infrastructure players in both quantum optics and low-temperature quantum systems. Leading quantum companies, including Atom Computing, Infleqtion, Maybell, Quantinuum, and others, call Colorado home and four Colorado scientists have won Nobel Prizes for quantum research since 1995. In fact, Atom Computing built its quantum computer in Boulder. It is the first quantum computer to exceed 1,000 qubits.
“Colorado was already the capital of quantum and an epicenter of technology and innovation, and we were a natural fit for the Tech Hub designation.”
— Dan Salvetti, COEDIT
With the recent tech hub designation from the Economic Development Administration (EDA), the Elevate Quantum consortium born out of this designation will focus on accelerating the transition of cutting-edge quantum research from the laboratory to the market, facilitate a vibrant startup and scale-up ecosystem, and build a diverse and inclusive workforce. Elevate Quantum estimates the average quantum job pays over $125,000 per year. Nearly half of these future roles do not require an advanced degree. It is important that Colorado builds the quantum industry in a way that is diverse, inclusive and equitable. Under Gov. Polis’ leadership, the state has supported the development of Colorado’s quantum industry prior to this designation and will continue to do so.
“Colorado was already the capital of quantum and an epicenter of technology and innovation, and we were a natural fit for the Tech Hub designation,” said Salvetti. “This is the first step to unlock federal funding opportunities that will further advance the industry.”
The consortium is aiming to have 40% inclusion of traditionally underrepresented groups in quantum jobs and leadership roles within a decade and help 30,000 workers develop new skills for quantum jobs. To meet these goals, the consortium plans to launch a quantum-focused startup accelerator in partnership with Techstars and Access Mode, which provides funding and customized mentoring to BIPOC-founded tech startups.
Colorado has a long history of pioneering new technologies and blazing quantum trails. In fact, the 2-qubit gate, a fundamental quantum computing building block, was first demonstrated in Boulder at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The State is committed to continuing this legacy and unlocking quantum’s potential for the future. Our efforts in quantum showcase our dedication in building a tomorrow that is inclusive, innovative, and boundary pushing.