(The Center Square) – A bipartisan Senate resolution to promote Colorado’s quantum technology industry overwhelmingly passed the House of Representatives on Monday.
Senate Joint Resolution 24-011 passed 60-1 in the House and heads to Gov. Jared Polis’ desk. The resolution passed 34-0 in the Senate on March 28.
“Our goal is that in 20 years from now, people will refer to Colorado for quantum the same way they refer to the Silicon Valley for microchips and personal computers,” tweeted Rep. Matt Soper, R-Delta, who was one of the House sponsors.
The resolution focuses on obtaining federal funds to develop a global hub for the quantum technology such as quantum computing, sensing, networking and enabling hardware. Quantum technology involves the physics of sub-atomic particles and, according to the National Science Foundation, promises “tantalizing advances in computing, health care, energy, communications and industrial materials – and it will make us more secure as a society and a nation.”
The resolution urges Colorado’s Economic Development Administration and any federal agencies to support the state’s achievements and strategic initiatives when Phase 2 Tech Hubs are being designated throughout the nation. In late February, the U.S. Economic Development Administration announced it will award implementation grants to help create regions with self-sustaining global competitiveness.
The federal government plans to fund approximately three to eight projects and provide $40 million to $70 million in funding. The Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs program was part of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 and authorized $10 billion over five years. Congress appropriated $500 million as part of the fiscal year 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act to launch the program.
Last year, the federal government announced Colorado was a regional Phase 1 Tech Hub, allowing the state to compete for new funds to develop the quantum technology industry, according to the resolution. Elevate Quantum, a nonprofit consortium of more than 70 organizations throughout Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming, is leading the bidding process.
“Establishing Colorado as the global hub for quantum technology will result in an economic impact of more than $1 billion and over $10,000 jobs,” according to the resolution.
The resolution also states collaborative efforts of the state’s higher education institutions, industry and government agencies have helped develop Colorado’s quantum technology ecosystem.
