Colorado and New Mexico Governors Jared Polis and Michelle Lujan Grisham signed a letter requesting the Department of Commerce to award a Phase 2 Implementation Grant to Elevate Quantum's Tech Hub, a consortium made up of around 118 Mountain West organisations.

Governors Jared Polis (Colorado) and Michelle Lujan Grisham (New Mexico) have jointly sent a letter to the Department of Commerce, advocating for the award of a Phase 2 Implementation Grant to the regional quantum initiative known as 'Elevate Quantum.'

This action is part of a wider trend within the US and around the world to promote innovation and economic growth through the development of quantum technologies, such as the Illinois Governor's proposal for significant funding for quantum technologies or the UK government's contract with Phasecraft to develop quantum algorithms for optimizing energy grids.

Why does it matter?

The Phase 2 Implementation Grant that the governors are requesting would support the continuation and expansion of quantum technology initiatives within their region. This initiative aligns with the initiatives made by the federal government to build tech innovation clusters around the country. For instance, the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 includes quantum computing projects, among other technological domains.

The designated tech hubs, including those focused on quantum computing, are eligible to apply for a share of$500 million in federal funding to help spur innovation.
The support from Governors Polis and Lujan Grisham for the regional quantum partnership highlights the significance of quantum technology development at both state and national levels.