Albuquerque Takes Bold Steps to Lead in Quantum Technology
Mayor Keller outlines efforts to build Albuquerque into a quantum hub
ALBUQUERQUE – Albuquerque is taking decisive steps to establish itself as a hub for quantum technology, positioning the city at the forefront of one of the world’s most transformative industries.
Mayor Tim Keller announced the City’s Quantum Strategy today during the IEEE International Conference on Quantum Computing and Engineering in Albuquerque, underscoring the city’s commitment to becoming a global leader in this rapidly advancing field.
As highlighted on the City’s "Quantum Strategy" website, Albuquerque is already emerging as a national leader in quantum technologies. The city is rapidly developing into an engine for economic growth across critical industries such as energy, healthcare, defense, manufacturing, communications, and advanced materials (ABQ-quantum.com).
Quantum Computing and Engineering is no longer confined to theoretical research, it is the foundation of global competitiveness. Albuquerque is leveraging its unmatched mix of researchers, engineers, national laboratories, and private-sector innovators to transform quantum science into real-world applications driving advances in computing, sensing, communications, and materials science.
The city’s quantum sector is fast becoming a magnet for talent, private investment, and cutting-edge enterprises, creating high-quality jobs and amplifying Albuquerque’s role in the global innovation economy. To build on this momentum, the City of Albuquerque is supporting and scaling quantum startups, forging partnerships between industry and academia, and investing in infrastructure that cements the city’s role as the premier destination for quantum development.
Workforce development is also central to the City’s strategy. Beginning this fall, Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) Ingenuity will launch the Quantum Technician Bootcamp, a first-of-its-kind 10-week training program that prepares participants for entry-level jobs in the quantum industry, with no degree or prior technical background required. With average salaries ranging from $80,000 to $90,000, the bootcamp will create accessible career pathways for veterans, career changers, and small business employees while building the skilled workforce Albuquerque needs to sustain its leadership in this emerging field.
These efforts are reinforced by the State of New Mexico’s $25 million investment in the quantum venture studio and campus initiative, led by Roadrunner Venture. Located in Albuquerque’s Innovation District, the initiative includes the creation of testbeds, quantum networks, packaging labs, and venture programming.
“Albuquerque is not just participating in the future, we’re shaping it,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “By combining local initiative with strategic investments and partnerships, we are building the infrastructure, talent pipelines, and innovation ecosystem needed to make Albuquerque a global quantum powerhouse.”
“This initiative positions Albuquerque to unlock broad economic opportunity for all New Mexicans,” said Max Gruner, Director of the City’s Economic Development Department. “Programs like the Quantum Technician Bootcamp demonstrate how we are preparing our workforce to fill high-paying jobs in a rapidly growing industry, ensuring that Albuquerque residents benefit directly from our city’s leadership in quantum.”
The City of Albuquerque’s Economic Development Department fosters local economic prosperity by supporting key sectors, encouraging innovation, and nurturing partnerships. Through its Quantum Strategy, it is taking deliberate steps to ensure Albuquerque becomes a national leader in quantum technologies.