Quantum computers perform complex calculations using qubits, which exploit quantum superposition and quantum entanglement… [+] It is calculated probabilistically.
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Surrounded by the vast plains and plateaus of the mountain west and hidden in the shadow of the majestic Rocky Mountains, the future is being created in Colorado, which has emerged as a global epicenter of the quantum revolution, the next generation of computing power that has the potential to surpass today’s technology.
With $40 million in recent federal funding, $74 million in state tax credits and an estimated $1 billion in private capital, the region has been designated a quantum technology hub, and local leaders expect the economic benefits will come with new businesses and thousands of jobs within just a few years.
More boldly, Colorado may be positioned to spearhead the biggest technological leap humanity has ever seen.
The Quantum Computing Revolution
Today’s computing comes from our ability to manipulate electricity. From smartphones to laptops, devices known as classical computing are powered by microchips that route electrons and spit out 1s and 0s that are converted into information and ultimately the tools of the digital age.
But quantum technology doesn’t use electricity, it uses the behavior of incredibly tiny physical phenomena – particles and photons – to generate information hundreds, thousands, or even millions of times faster than current conventional systems.
Quantum technology, especially when combined with artificial intelligence, promises to help solve big challenges, from climate change to curing all kinds of cancer. We’re not there yet, but we’re making steady progress, with impressive progress in just the last few years alone. Practical but limited applications of quantum computing are in use today, for example to optimize financial services and accelerate drug discovery.
The race to develop universal quantum computing is well underway, with prominent organizations such as IBM, Microsoft, and Google making big bets on it. Leading universities as well as relatively new companies such as Quantinuum and IonQ are also getting involved, reflecting a recognition of the amazing gains that quantum could deliver.
The realization of quantum technology is fast approaching, but the hurdles that stand in its way are by no means small.
Colorado becomes quantum epicenter
While Silicon Valley dominates in digital innovation, what’s less well known is that Colorado has become a leader in quantum technology: Colorado has 3,000 people working in quantum-related jobs, more than anywhere in the world, and the region is home to four Nobel Prize-winning quantum scientists.
Longs Peak, part of the snow-capped Rocky Mountains, stands tall in the background with green trees… [+] Downtown Denver is lined with skyscrapers, with hotels, office buildings, and apartments filling the skyline.
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Like Silicon Valley, Colorado’s quantum leadership has a lot to do with federal investment, national security considerations, and good fortune: Quantum research has blossomed with the establishment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) center in Boulder, and Sandia and Los Alamos national laboratories in nearby New Mexico.
Additionally, JILA, formerly known as the Joint Institute for Astrophysics, has partnered with the University of Colorado Boulder to lead the commercialization of quantum research, and the region is also home to more than 40 other federally funded labs.
Elevate Quantum takes top spot in Colorado
Corban Tillermann-Dick, founder and CEO of Maybell Quantum, a leader in advanced cryogenics, a cooling technology essential to quantum computers, has unexpectedly stepped up to a historic position that will strengthen Colorado’s quantum leadership position.
With a head start in her state and encouragement and support from government officials, Tillerman Dick co-founded Elevate Quantum, a nonprofit coalition of more than 120 organizations across the Rocky Mountain West, including New Mexico and Wyoming. The coalition’s goal was to win funding to compete for the CHIPS and SCIENCE Act of 2022 and officially designate the region as a hub for quantum innovation.
With the enthusiastic support of Colorado Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper, Congressman Joe Negus, Governor Polis and other stakeholders, the Elevate Quantum team has been designated one of only two official quantum technology hubs in the country and secured $40.5 million in federal funding, which will secure an additional $74 million in state funding and an estimated $1 billion in private capital investment supported by government loan guarantees.
Colorado Governor Polis believes his state is America’s quantum bet and that federal funding and technology hub designation will help extend its lead and gain momentum. The Governor is excited about quantum technology and believes it will be revolutionary and positively impact all kinds of businesses and challenges across the country.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis. Photo by Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg
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The funding is tied to tangible results, such as creating 10,000 new jobs over 10 years, training 30,000 new workers and helping to launch 50 startups. Tillerman Dick said the federal and state funding will be used by Elevate Quantum to build a regional quantum ecosystem, including an open-access facility where entrepreneurs can experiment and build their ideas, a commercial manufacturing facility for optical integrated circuits, and workforce development.
Quantum Future
Tillerman Dick believes quantum is the most important technological revolution in the next 100 years. And he believes Colorado can play another role. Taking responsibility to nurture the ecosystem and learning from others’ mistakes means we have an opportunity to create a more inclusive, diverse, and level playing field. For example, quantum infrastructure needs won’t be limited to researchers and physicists — welders, machinists, engineers, and more — a whole range of skills will be needed. Governor Polis agrees, and believes Colorado has the talent and can attract new and diverse talent from around the country.
The race to develop universal quantum computing is on, and the federal government has deemed it a national imperative. The National Quantum Initiative Act of 2018 and the National Quantum Initiative, recently further strengthened at President Biden’s direction, support accelerating quantum research and development for the U.S. economy and national security.
Colorado officials are fully cooperating and know that their leadership in quantum technology will be good for their state’s citizens, their economy, and ultimately the nation.
