New Mexico has entered into an agreement with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to launch the Quantum Frontier Project, a partnership aimed at advancing quantum technology research and testing in the state. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed the agreement, which forms part of DARPA’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI), an effort to determine if utility-scale quantum computing can be achieved by 2033.
The collaboration will utilize resources from New Mexico’s universities, private sector innovators, and national laboratories to expand research, engineering, and testing activities related to quantum technologies. The state and DARPA may each contribute up to $120 million over four years for research, infrastructure, and independent verification projects under this initiative.
“Quantum computing may prove to be the most consequential technology of this century for national security and breakthrough innovations,” said Gov. Lujan Grisham. “New Mexico, having once pioneered applied physics, is excited to partner with DARPA on the QBI program to stay at the forefront of frontier technology and bring our world-class research, development, and entrepreneurial ecosystem into the fold.”
Economic Development Secretary Rob Black commented on the potential economic impact: “This agreement makes it clear: New Mexico is stepping up to lead in the industries of tomorrow. Quantum computing means jobs, innovation, and a stronger economy for our state, and we intend to seize this moment in the global race.”
Joe Altepeter, QBI program manager at DARPA, highlighted New Mexico’s ongoing role in QBI: “New Mexico is the latest state to enter into partnership on QBI, and we are eager to leverage new facilities and expertise as we test and evaluate claims from a number of quantum computing companies about their progress in building a useful quantum computer. World-class national laboratories in New Mexico, such as Sandia and Los Alamos, are already a part of QBI’s independent verification and validation team, and we look forward through the Quantum Frontier Project to tapping into more of the state’s quantum R&D and testing infrastructure to help us determine whether quantum computers will work or not.”
The announcement follows recent activity within New Mexico’s quantum sector. In August 2025 EDD announced Roadrunner Venture Studios as its partner for deploying $25 million toward accelerating local quantum innovation—a move intended to support commercialization efforts statewide. Albuquerque is also currently hosting IEEE Quantum Week with participants from around the globe.
Similar partnerships have been established between DARPA’s QBI program with Illinois—via its Quantum Proving Ground—and Maryland through its Capital Quantum Benchmarking Hub.
With significant investments from both public entities like https://www.sandia.gov/ Sandia National Laboratories] as well as industry partners fostering advanced research capabilities across disciplines including https://www.lanl.gov/ Los Alamos National Laboratory], New Mexico continues its emergence as a center for U.S.-based quantum computing development.
