New Mexico Aims to Lead Second Quantum Revolution

UNM, national labs, and partners propel statewide quantum strategy to establish New Mexico as a national leader in quantum information science and technology.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The University of New Mexico, along with partners including Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) and Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), are working to capitalize on the latest quantum revolution and chart a roadmap establishing the state of New Mexico as a national leader in quantum information science (QIS) research, industry innovation, and workforce development. This effort is led by the Quantum New Mexico Institute (QNM-I), an initiative that unites academia, national laboratories, industry, and government to accelerate innovation, strengthen the quantum workforce, and drive economic and societal impact.

Why it matters

New Mexico has a long history of pioneering quantum science, with researchers at UNM playing a key role in the development of QIS. Establishing the state as a national leader in this field has the potential to transform industries ranging from national security and advanced computing to healthcare and communications, positioning New Mexico at the forefront of the second quantum revolution.

The details

QNM-I was launched in 2024 as a partnership between UNM, SNL, and LANL to turn quantum science into real-world impact. The institute is focused on research, education, and workforce development, leveraging the state's existing strengths and new investments to make New Mexico a leader in quantum innovation and economic growth. Over the past four years, UNM has been expanding its QIS research and development, education, and commercial support, with the goal of establishing a dedicated, fully realized sustainable center to bring all the pieces together.

  • QNM-I was launched in January 2024.
  • In 2025, the QNM-I innovation ecosystem expanded with a $25 million investment by the State of New Mexico Economic Development Department and an additional $20 million in funded grants and support from the National Quantum Virtual Laboratory.

The players

The University of New Mexico

A public research university and the flagship institution of the University of New Mexico System, playing a leading role in the development of quantum information science.

Sandia National Laboratories (SNL)

A multimission laboratory operated by National Technology and Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC, for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration, partnering with UNM and LANL on quantum research and development.

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL)

A multidisciplinary research institution in Los Alamos, New Mexico, operated by Triad National Security, LLC, for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration, partnering with UNM and SNL on quantum research and development.

Quantum New Mexico Institute (QNM-I)

An initiative that partnered UNM, SNL, and LANL to turn quantum science into real-world impact and establish New Mexico as a leader in the field of quantum information science and technology.

Ivan Deutsch

A UNM distinguished professor and the founding director of QNM-I, who has played a pioneering role in the development of quantum information science.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We stand at the threshold of the second quantum revolution, where discovery moves at the speed of imagination. UNM is committed not only to advancing the science, but to becoming a catalyst for breakthrough innovation by building a thriving ecosystem – one wherein researchers, industry partners, and the next generation of quantum pioneers come together to shape technologies that will redefine the future.”

— Ellen Fisher, Vice President for Research, The University of New Mexico (Mirage News)

“New Mexico's role in the development of QIS will be vital to the technology of tomorrow. Our scientists helped launch the second quantum revolution, through activities at UNM, SNL, and LANL, and I believe QNM-I will build on this foundation, putting New Mexico in the national spotlight for its strong quantum science and engineering activities.”

— Ivan Deutsch, UNM Distinguished Professor and QNM-I Founding Director (Mirage News)

What’s next

Over the next 18 months, the university must demonstrate scale, speed, and sustained commitment to quantum research and development in order to compete with other emerging national centers and position New Mexico as a true leader in the field.

The takeaway

New Mexico's decades-long foundation in quantum science, combined with the coordinated efforts of UNM, the national labs, and state and federal partners, have positioned the state to play a pivotal role in the second quantum revolution. By establishing the Quantum New Mexico Institute and pursuing sustained funding, New Mexico aims to become a national leader in quantum information science and technology, transforming industries and driving economic growth.