It’s Only Common Sense: If You’re Not Differentiated, You’re Dead
Alpha Insights, Performance by Design: The Future of PCB Manufacturing in the Midwest
Happy’s Tech Talk #43: Engineering Statistics Training With Free Software
DARPA, State of New Mexico Establish Framework to Advance Quantum Computing
September 8, 2025 | DARPAEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
As part of the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI), DARPA signed an agreement with the State of New Mexico’s Economic Development Department to create the Quantum Frontier Project. This effort focuses on furthering quantum computing technology aligned with DARPA’s mission to create strategic surprise as well as advance economic, industrial, and scientific value of national security importance.
QBI, which kicked off in July 2024, aims to determine whether it’s possible to build a useful computer much faster than conventional predictions. Specifically, QBI is designed to rigorously verify and validate whether any quantum computing approach can achieve utility-scale operation — meaning its computational value exceeds its cost — by the year 2033.
“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,” said Joe Altepeter, QBI program manager. “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 agreement does not establish or require specific funding levels for either DARPA or the State of Mexico. DARPA and New Mexico have agreed, depending on results achieved, to provide matching contributions of up to $60 million each over a four-year period. The funding will be applied to efforts that directly support QBI and the Quantum Frontier Project.
“Quantum computing may prove to be the most consequential technology of this century — for national security, for breakthrough innovations, and perhaps most importantly, for avoiding strategic surprise,” said Gov. Michelle 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.”
The DARPA-New Mexico Quantum Frontier Project follows similar QBI agreements signed with the State of Illinois (the Quantum Proving Ground) and the State of Maryland (the Capital Quantum Benchmarking Hub). DARPA is open to partnering with any State on quantum computing, if:
- That State has already launched and funded an effort related to quantum computing
- The specific nature of the State effort has the potential to directly contribute to goals of the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative
Share on:
Testimonial
"In a year when every marketing dollar mattered, I chose to keep I-Connect007 in our 2025 plan. Their commitment to high-quality, insightful content aligns with Koh Young’s values and helps readers navigate a changing industry. "
Brent Fischthal - Koh YoungSuggested Items
IonQ Completes Acquisition of Vector Atomic
10/10/2025 | BUSINESS WIREIonQ, the world’s leading quantum company, announced the successful completion of its acquisition of Vector Atomic, the leading quantum sensing company based in California.
Trio Wins Nobel Prize for Groundbreaking Quantum Physics Experiments
10/08/2025 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamU.S.-based scientists John Clarke, Michel Devoret, and John Martinis have won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics for “experiments that revealed quantum physics in action.” Reuters reported. Their work laid the foundation for the next generation of digital technologies, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced on Oct. 7.
SEALSQ, Kaynes SemiCon Announce Joint Venture to Establish India's First Secure Semiconductor Center
09/30/2025 | Globe NewswireSEALSQ Corp, a company that focuses on developing and selling Semiconductors, PKI, and Post-Quantum technology hardware and software products,, a subsidiary of WISeKey International Holding AG , a global leader in cybersecurity, digital identity, and IoT solutions platform, announced the signing of a Term Sheet with Kaynes SemiCon to form a Joint Venture company, SEALKAYNESQ Ltd, to be established in India.
Rigetti, in Collaboration with QphoX, Awarded $5.8M AFRL Contract to Advance Superconducting Quantum Networking
09/29/2025 | RigettiRigetti Computing, Inc., a pioneer in hybrid quantum-classical computing, announced that it was awarded a three-year, $5.8 million contract from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to advance superconducting quantum networking.
Anyon Systems Becomes Anchor Partner in Industrial Quantum Chip Fabrication Facility
09/18/2025 | PRNewswireAnyon Systems Inc., a quantum computing company based in Montreal, Canada and the MiQro Innovation Collaborative Centre (C2MI) are pleased to announce they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) confirming their collaboration in developing the value offering of C2MI's industrial grade new quantum fabrication facility located in Bromont, Québec.