ABQ Times

More than 150 participants, including researchers, government officials, and industry partners in quantum information science and technology, recently convened in Albuquerque. The University of New Mexico hosted its second Quantum New Mexico Symposium to raise awareness and garner state-wide support for quantum information science and technology.

“This symposium will prove why New Mexico is the best place to be right now for quantum science because we have all the resources we need to lead,” stated Ellen Fisher, vice president for research. “Researchers gathering from across the state sends a clear message to the State of New Mexico and beyond our state lines that our future as a leader in quantum science technology is promising and bright when we work together.”

The morning session highlighted New Mexico’s efforts in advancing the new quantum economy with the launch of Elevate Quantum, the Mountain West Tech Hub. This initiative received more than $127 million through a federal EDA award to secure US leadership in quantum technology. An industrial panel featuring representatives from leading companies addressed questions such as “why quantum?” and “why New Mexico?”

“New Mexico will be forever known as the state in the third wave of critical technology,” Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham said. “We will create the next set of innovations that rural states need … We can do it better, we can do it faster, and we can lead a technology revolution.”

Governor Lujan Grisham also urged researchers and scientists present to use this opportunity to identify "state guardrails" that might hinder building a quantum ecosystem.

Jenni Strabley, vice president and general manager of Quantinuum, delivered a talk titled “Why New Mexico Checks all Boxes.” She emphasized New Mexico’s strong potential as a hub for quantum technology.

“As the established leader in quantum computing, Quantinuum finds a perfect match in New Mexico,” Strabley said. “The state offers a vibrant technology ecosystem and a talented workforce that fits naturally with our needs.”

In the afternoon, attendees participated in several panels celebrating the launch of the Quantum New Mexico Institute (QNM-I). This institute aims to grow the quantum ecosystem through research, education, workforce development, and partnerships with industry.

“I am proud of the launch of the Quantum New Mexico Institute,” said Senator Martin Heinrich. “Quantum New Mexico has formalized a partnership between researchers and students at The University of New Mexico and Sandia Labs. Hopefully, very soon this partnership will include Los Alamos.”

The event also featured a keynote address by UNM Distinguished Professor Emeritus Carl Caves. He is credited with creating UNM's QIS program alongside Distinguished Professor Ivan Deutsch.

“We hear some people throw around the term ‘quantum sensing,’” Deutsch noted. “Quantum sensing is the idea that we can see the tiniest signals in the universe by manipulating noise dictated by quantum mechanics. Well, Professor Caves is responsible for inventing that idea.”

Educational panels included over 60 UNM alumni who are now leaders in Quantum fields discussing their experiences as researchers. Another panel involved leaders from Central New Mexico and Sandia National Labs discussing programs like QCaMP and QuLL which provide technical training for high school students.

“The biggest takeaway of this symposium is that New Mexico has been pioneering quantum information science for over 30 years," Deutsch remarked. "New Mexico is now poised to realize its potential as a global leader in quantum research."

Ellen Fisher concluded by emphasizing continued investment: "To continue accelerating development...we must build on our foundation...strengthen collaborations...and welcome investment from federal government...Lastly...invest in ourselves as pioneering researchers."