The National Science Foundation (NSF) announced New Mexico's Quantum Moonshot project, led by Elevate Quantum, as one of 29 semifinalists advancing to the next round of the Regional Innovation Engines program – a groundbreaking federal initiative set to invest up to $160 million over 10 years in regional innovation ecosystems nationwide.
New Mexico has long stood at the forefront of Quantum Information Science, playing a pivotal role in igniting the Second Quantum Revolution," said Ivan Deutsch, Quantum Moonshot co-PI and University of New Mexico distinguished professor. "With this NSF Engine, we are poised to not only accelerate the transition of groundbreaking innovations into the U.S. economy but also to invigorate the quantum economy in ways that will create widespread benefits for all New Mexicans and beyond."
The Regional Innovation Engines program is the NSF's seminal national effort to secure U.S. economic and national security for all Americans in critical technology sectors. Quantum Moonshot is focused on developing quantum solutions that serve both national security and civilian markets. Researchers aim to address the region's most pressing technological challenges and unlock new opportunities in fields such as clean energy, materials science, and communications. In 2024, the U.S. Economic Development Administration invested nearly $41 million in New Mexico and Colorado to design and establish the Elevate Quantum Tech Hub.
"This effort and our advancement to the semifinals drives home that New Mexico, Colorado, and the Mountain West are a global destination for research, commercialization, and impact for quantum," said Zachary Yerushalmi, CEO, Elevate Quantum. "This advancement builds on decades of work of New Mexicans, Coloradans and citizens across the region to build a safe and thriving American economy."
The Quantum Moonshot team serves as a prime example of interdisciplinary collaboration, uniting a diverse array of leading scientists alongside vibrant community members from tribal nations, national laboratories, and research institutions. Together, they are not just pushing the boundaries of scientific exploration but are also fostering an inclusive environment that honors diverse voices and experiences.
The team includes representation from, among others:
- Air Force Research Laboratory
- Central New Mexico Community College
- The Colorado School of Mines
- Elevate Quantum
- Los Alamos National Laboratory
- National Institute of Standards and Technology
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory
- New Mexico Economic Development Department
- New Mexico State University
- New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
- Roadrunner Studios
- Sandia National Laboratories
- The University of New Mexico
"Quantum information technology will define the next industrial revolution," Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said. "New Mexico is charging ahead to secure our place at the forefront of this transformation, and this landmark potential program stands to accelerate that vision."
By uniting public and private scientific leaders, the NSF Engines program aims to inspire collaboration and harness collective expertise, ultimately driving groundbreaking advancements and fostering economic growth within communities. NSF will now conduct virtual assessments of each semifinalist to gain further understanding of the project, the team's core partners, and its vision for research and development. NSF will select the finalists this fall for in-person reviews.
"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to continue cementing New Mexico and the Mountain West's role as a hub in these cutting-edge technologies," said Jake Douglass, interim Quantum Moonshot CEO and Sandia National Labs Quantum Business Development lead. "By leveraging the unparalleled expertise of our partners in quantum, we will be able to drive new innovation and commercialization efforts, create high-skilled jobs, and position our state at the forefront of this critical field for years to come."
Quantum Moonshot is among 29 semifinalists selected for a virtual site visit, the final step before in-person reviews this fall. This milestone places New Mexico, Colorado and the Mountain West at the forefront of quantum technology innovation and workforce development around the region.
To learn more about Quantum Moonshot, visit www.elevatequantum.com/moonshot.
