Leaders are encouraging a tech industry they believe is still emerging, to ensure New Mexico remains at the forefront of growth.
ALBUQUERQUE, NM – Quantum computing is a relatively new and fast-growing technological field but New Mexico leaders believe it could seriously advance the state’s economy.
Many believe that quantum computers are the next era of technology. Many states are trying to join in on this emerging industry as it develops but New Mexico believes they have already made a start and are doing everything they can to keep that momentum going.
New Mexico Economic Secretary Rob Black said, “Two years ago, we would have been too early for quantum. But two years from now, it would be too late.”
Currently, New Mexico is a leader in quantum computing. Los Alamos and Sandia National Labs lead quantum technologies and many rank the University of New Mexico’s Quantum Institute as one of the most respected research programs in the US.
“We have tremendous resources and now that the state is also really contributing — and the labs have federal resources — it’s really about making it work, like bringing it together,” said Robert LeDoux, director of the Quantum New Mexico Institute.
Experts say the unique properties of quantum mechanics allow more powerful computer processors to solve incredibly complex problems more efficiently.
“Quantum computing has the potential to fundamentally change our ability to innovate in those systems, to do things that we can’t do right now. It could be in finance, communications, logistics, navigation, computing, bioscience…” LeDoux said.
Experts estimate that quantum computing will become a $1 trillion industry by 2035. State lawmakers have approved more than $100 million in incentives this year to bring more quantum companies like Qunect to New Mexico. QConnect recently opened America’s first open-ended quantum network here in Albuquerque.
“Other companies and researchers from national laboratories and researchers from universities can all come and use this network as a facility,” said Noel Goddard, CEO of Qnect.
Many believe the industry could create hundreds of jobs, with the potential to reach thousands of jobs in the “very near future”.
New Mexico and Colorado join in 2024 to become the first federally designated quantum hubs in the country. LeDoux said there are talks about creating a graduate quantum degree at UNM to continue helping build the workforce.