OPINION: US, NM should act boldly on quantum development

Eighty years ago, New Mexico played a pivotal role in helping America win a global technology race against an authoritarian power. By developing the atomic bomb, New Mexico helped shift the course of World War II and ensure our security prosperity and the advancement of American values.

Today, we face a new global technology race, and New Mexico is again poised to lead the way. But this time, our adversary is not Nazi Germany — it’s the Chinese Communist Party, which is investing trillions in artificial intelligence, quantum computing and other frontier technologies that will define global power and leadership in the 21st century.

Thankfully, New Mexico is once again answering the call, especially in quantum technologies. The January announcement that Quantinuum will build a cutting-edge research and development center in the state follows Elevate Quantum Hub’s major grant award to drive regional leadership in quantum technologies for cybersecurity, AI and health care, as well as New Mexico’s expanding role in the National Quantum Initiative. Together, these efforts position the state as a key pillar in America’s race to lead in the next era of technological innovation.

Quantum is the game-changer

Quantum computing isn’t just an upgrade from today’s technology — it’s a revolutionary leap in computing power. By harnessing the properties of quantum physics, these machines can perform calculations millions of times faster than today’s most powerful supercomputers. A recent report by the Lexington Institute and American Edge Project noted that Google unveiled Willow, a 105-qubit quantum chip that completed a computation in five minutes that would take a supercomputer 10 septillion years.

Quantum technology will have a powerful impact on AI, which is projected to create millions of jobs and drive substantial innovation by 2030 but requires huge amounts of processing power. Quantum computing can potentially improve and increase AI’s capabilities by enhancing the speed of problem solving and removing constraints on data size and complexity, creating massive economic and innovative opportunities for our state and our nation.

Why New Mexicans should care

For the average New Mexican, quantum computing represents unprecedented economic opportunity. The industry will create thousands of high-paying jobs across the state in the next decade with salaries well above the state median. These aren’t just jobs for scientists — they span construction, manufacturing, maintenance and operations.

Communities in Albuquerque are already seeing benefits from tech investment and could experience significant growth as quantum hubs develop, bringing improved infrastructure and more robust local economies.

Act now to protect our tech edge

Chinese quantum investments alone exceed $25 billion — dwarfing investments by other nations. Falling behind China in quantum supremacy first could compromise America’s battlefield communications, disrupt critical infrastructure and leapfrog U.S. military defenses.

To unlock quantum computing’s potential, America’s leaders must act boldly with specific policy approaches that drive innovation. Federal and state policymakers need to implement smart regulatory frameworks that encourage quantum research and commercialization while maintaining necessary safeguards. This means adopting balanced export controls that protect sensitive technologies without hurting research communities or the spread of American AI. It also means creating targeted tax incentives for quantum companies establishing facilities in the state, developing streamlined permitting processes for quantum computing infrastructure, and building regulatory sandboxes that allow quantum companies to test new applications while maintaining loose-handed oversight.

The bottom line: New Mexico is once again playing a central role in the global fight for freedom between democracies and authoritarians. If we want the future of technology to be powered by American innovation, built by American workers and rooted in American values, the time to act boldly is now.

Susana Martinez is a former governor of New Mexico.