New Mexico Economic Development Department invests $25 million in new venture studio

The New Mexico Economic Development Department has announced a significant $25 million investment to establish a cutting-edge quantum venture studio in partnership with Roadrunner Venture Studios. The initiative will accelerate innovation and growth in the quantum technology sector with the Quantum New Mexico Institute (QNM-I), a collaboration between The University of New Mexico, Sandia National Laboratories, and Los Alamos National Laboratory, joining as a core partner. 

The new QNM-I headquarters at the Roadrunner facility will serve as a hub that maximizes cross-sector engagement among national lab researchers, university experts, pioneering startups, and world class investors, creating a launchpad for the next generation of U.S. quantum breakthroughs.

“UNM’s participation in the quantum venture studio underscores our commitment to advancing innovation while strengthening the vitality of Downtown Albuquerque and New Mexico’s role in the quantum economy,” UNM President Garnett Stokes said.

The quantum venture studio will include:

• A quantum platform with access to quantum computing, networking, dilution fridges, and other essential elements of what it takes to build breakthrough quantum startups.
• A private capital group tailor-made for quantum startups and aimed exclusively at New Mexico.
• Commercialization training for scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs.
• A new technology district in downtown Albuquerque fostering high-value jobs and lasting economic impact.

"Quantum Information Science and Engineering have deep roots in New Mexico through decades of foundational work at UNM, Sandia, and LANL,” said Bob Ledoux, Quantum New Mexico Institute director. “The QNM-I brings together these three institutions to accelerate research, develop a skilled quantum workforce, and foster statewide innovation. By partnering with Roadrunner, we’re connecting world-class science directly to entrepreneurial growth—ensuring that New Mexico doesn’t just lead in discovery but thrives economically in the quantum future.”

Simultaneously, UNM will utilize part of the million-dollar investment to launch a new translational fellowship to broaden participation of students from across New Mexico in quantum innovation, while attracting business expertise to unlock both the intellectual capital in QNM-I and develop new companies here in the state.

For more information about UNM's quantum efforts, visit the Quantum New Mexico Institute.