On March 26, the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors received an in-depth briefing on quantum technology — and why it may be the most consequential economic opportunity New Mexico has ever seen.
The briefing covered quantum from the ground up — its history, the science behind it, cutting-edge research and the private investment opportunities that are putting New Mexico on the map.
Zachary Vernon, director of Photonics at Quantinuum, along with Kortny Rolston-Duce, Quantinuum director of Ecosystem Development, painted a compelling picture of what it takes to build a thriving quantum ecosystem — and why New Mexico has the ingredients to make it happen.
Sen. George K. Muñoz (D-Cibola, McKinley & San Juan) brought the legislative perspective, sharing the Legislature’s vision for quantum’s role in New Mexico’s long-term economic future and what the recent session aimed to accomplish on that front. Sen. Muñoz urged board members not to let this moment pass, challenging the Chamber to keep stakeholders aligned and moving in the same direction — and to make sure the players driving quantum forward get the resources they need, while those who might undermine it don’t get that chance.
Sen. Michael Padilla (D-Bernalillo) offered the economic development perspective, making the case for why quantum matters both politically and as a driver of New Mexico’s long-term growth trajectory. Sen. Padilla spoke to the urgent need to diversify the state’s economy beyond its reliance on oil and gas — and quantum, he argued is a powerful path forward. He highlighted the strong, high-quality jobs the industry would create and the opportunity to align with the state’s most powerful partners: the federal government, Sandia and Los Alamos National laboratories, University of New Mexico, Central New Mexico Community College and the broader university system.
Alex Greenberg, Economic Development Advisor to the governor, brought the conversation from vision to execution — detailing how New Mexico’s quantum ambitions will actually be implemented on the ground. Greenberg walked the board through the state’s roadmap for turning these initiatives into reality and spoke candidly about the critical importance of dedicated people in a coordinated role.
One thing is clear: New Mexico is in serious contention to be a national leader in quantum technology- and the groundwork is already laid.
Quantinuum recently underscored that commitment by opening a 10,000-square-foot facility in Albuquerque, planting its flag in the state. As the world’s largest fully integrated quantum computing company, valued at $10 billon, Quantinuum’s presence here is a signal to the industry. New Mexico has also secured a $127 million Regional Quantum Hub partnership with Colorado and committed $650 million in total state investment in quantum initiatives — backed by a legislative package that includes $60 million in direct quantum computing investment, $38 million for user facility development and utility readiness.
The panelists pointed to what makes New Mexico uniquely positioned: 350 quantum scientists housed between Sandia and Los Alamos National laboratories, technology that operates at room temperature unlike many competitors, and a growing ecosystem that spans infrastructure, workforce and education. Central New Mexico Community College’s quantum technician program — a 10-week course producing graduates earning up to $80,000 — is already expanding, with university partnerships at UNM, New Mexico Tech, and New Mexico State University deepening the pipeline.
The economic opportunity on the horizon is staggering — panelists cited potential $1 trillion investment opportunity by 2030 and job creation with salaries ranging from $45,000 to $200,000.
The Chamber and its Board of Directors are grateful to our distinguished guests for their insight and their tireless work to keep New Mexico competitive in the quantum economy.