OPINION: America's next line of defense: New Mexico AI innovation

In October, the Senate passed bipartisan legislation to bolster cybersecurity and defense innovation, including investments that will bring new jobs, research partnerships and technology programs to New Mexico. However, momentum is fragile. Any hesitation to further invest in artificial intelligence and advanced technology at home will allow adversaries like China to outpace U.S. innovators, threatening our economic strength and national defense.

New Mexico is earning its place as an emerging tech hub. Investments like the $25 million quantum venture led by Roadrunner Venture Studios are attracting innovators and creating high-paying jobs. Add to that $5 million in new grants for tech commercialization and a $315 million commitment to quantum computing, and it is clear New Mexico is helping shape America’s tech economy. From Sandia to Los Alamos national laboratories to the University of New Mexico and CNM Ingenuity, New Mexico has long been at the intersection of science, education and national service.

These institutions are developing technologies that advance U.S. defense capabilities and are training the next generation of engineers, data scientists and AI experts. Across New Mexico’s laboratories, researchers are applying AI in real-world missions that strengthen national security.

At Sandia, researchers are developing AI “killer apps” that help monitor threats, enhance deterrence and support data-driven decisions. At Los Alamos, the partnership with OpenAI to run its reasoning models on the Venado supercomputer demonstrates how public-private collaboration can transform research into real-world capabilities. Across the state, programs like New Mexico Tech’s cybersecurity degree pipeline and CNM’s applied AI training are preparing a workforce for these critical roles.

As a Marine Corps veteran, I know that service to our country means contributing to our communities and defending the values of truth, freedom and the public good. The competition for technology touches every aspect of national security and the economy, and hesitation to meet this moment comes at a steep cost.

Beijing has established the National Data Administration, treating data as a strategic asset to dominate AI inputs and achieve technological self-sufficiency. China is building infrastructure to deploy AI across industries, including within its military. The People’s Liberation Army is integrating AI for satellite image analysis, autonomous vehicles and real-time battlefield decision systems. The speed and scope of China’s progress make one thing clear: America must act decisively to maintain its strategic edge.

Maintaining a competitive edge starts by investing in regional innovation hubs like New Mexico, ensuring domestic labs and startups have the funding and workforce to turn ideas into capabilities, and maintaining collaboration between the private sector, universities and defense agencies. Strengthening connections between federal labs and private-sector partners, expanding workforce programs that retain top in-state talent, and improving small businesses’ access to capital and contracts will enable the U.S. to secure the next generation of technology and American leadership.

The global AI race is about more than advancing technology; it’s about protecting freedom, democracy and America’s role in setting global standards for innovation. If we hesitate, China will race ahead and promote a system of censorship and control. New Mexico’s leadership proves that with the right investments, collaboration and courage, America can lead the world in a new era defined by innovation and liberty.

Editor's note: The author's name has been corrected.