The New Mexico Economic Development Department’s Office of Strategy, Science and Technology is seeking proposals. They aim to deploy $25 million in state funds. These funds will set up and run a quantum venture studio and a physical space. The goal is to accelerate quantum technology innovation and commercialization.

“New Mexico is leading the way in technology and innovation. It is charting a course toward a prosperous future,” Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham said. “With top-tier resources like our national labs and research institutions, advanced talent, and a growing quantum ecosystem, we’ve established a robust hub that will drive progress and transform our communities.”

The funding will drive near-term results by increasing quantum industry activity in New Mexico. It will also lay a foundation for future investments that will accelerate continued growth. During the 2025 legislative session, the funds were appropriated to the Economic Development Department. They align with the state’s focus on transforming New Mexico’s core competencies in quantum. The funds also aim to boost technological advancement, industry development, and regional, national, and international leadership. 

“New Mexico is becoming the quantum state, and this builds on our deep expertise and capabilities in this innovative field,” EDD Secretary Rob Black said. “Our investments today ensure our position at the forefront of real-world innovation and industry transformation.”

In 2024, New Mexico partnered with Colorado and Wyoming. They worked together as part of the Elevate Quantum Consortium. This consortium also includes Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories, the University of New Mexico, and Central New Mexico Community College. Their goal was to secure designation as the first Quantum Tech Hub. They aimed to be the only funded Hub in the federal Economic Development Administration Tech Hubs program.

The state is also supporting the New Mexico Quantum Moonshot. This is a proposal to the National Science Foundation’s Regional Innovation Engines program. It is focused on advancing dual-use quantum technologies. These technologies tackle national security and civilian needs. They focus on clean energy, materials science, and communications.

The Request for Proposals seeks projects that integrate physical infrastructure with programmatic and financial support mechanisms. These projects should stimulate startup formation, private investment, talent attraction, and technology commercialization in quantum information science. A total of $25 million is available, with up to $12.5 million to develop a physical space or facility for innovation and commercialization of quantum technologies and up to $12.5 million for the operation of a quantum venture studio. The funding will be awarded competitively under one contract. It is expected that multiple entities will collaborate to achieve the contract’s goals.

Interested parties should consult the RFP document for all relevant information at edd.newmexico.gov/public-notices.

Proposals are due June 24, 2025. A pre-proposal conference will be held on June 5, 2025. 

The EDD Office of Strategy, Science & Technology will manage the RFP and the resulting contract. This office will soon transition into the new Technology and Innovation Office.