Quantum Moonshot advances to the semi-finals of the NSF competition, potentially granting New Mexico millions in funding.
The Quantum Moonshot initiative, a groundbreaking project based in New Mexico, has been named a semifinalist in the prestigious National Science Foundation (NSF) Regional Innovation Engines program [3]. This achievement marks a significant step forward for the project, showcasing its potential for federal innovation funding within a highly competitive national landscape focused on quantum technologies.
Should the Quantum Moonshot initiative secure funding from the NSF program, it could receive up to $160 million over a decade, with $15 million available in the first two years [if awarded]. The NSF Regional Innovation Engines program is renowned for providing substantial support to regional technology initiatives, making it an exciting opportunity for the project's progress.
In addition to the NSF funding, the New Mexico Economic Development Department (NMEDD) has released a $25 million request for proposals (RFP) aimed at building a quantum venture studio and facility in the state. This investment could further bolster New Mexico's quantum ecosystem, potentially benefiting projects like Quantum Moonshot [1].
The NSF Engines program is a tough competition, with only 29 semifinalists selected from a vast number of applicants. The success of two New Mexico-based projects in the program — Quantum Moonshot and Energized Watershed — is a significant achievement for the state. Hanson, leader of Energized Watershed, expressed pride in this accomplishment, while Jake Douglass, the quantum business development lead at Sandia Labs, expressed excitement about the potential investments in New Mexico [2].
The NSF Engines program is distinct from the tech hub designation, as it focuses on commercializing quantum technologies. The program aims to bridge the gap between laboratory research and the commercial sector for quantum technologies, making it a crucial step towards real-world applications of these cutting-edge technologies [4].
The Quantum Moonshot initiative builds on New Mexico's efforts to brand itself as a quantum hotspot. With potential funding from both the NSF and state sources, the project is poised to advance quantum technology development and commercialization in New Mexico, contributing to the state's growing reputation in this field [5].
Sources: [1] Albuquerque Journal's Business Outlook Newsletter [2] The Albuquerque Journal [3] National Science Foundation [4] NSF Engines program website [5] New Mexico Economic Development Department
- The Quantum Moonshot initiative's progress in the National Science Foundation (NSF) Regional Innovation Engines program highlights its potential to secure funding, which could lead to significant investments in science and technology, especially finance and business within the quantum sector.
- If successful in securing funding from the NSF program, the Quantum Moonshot initiative could receive substantial support not only from federal resources but also from state investments like the $25 million request for proposals (RFP) from the New Mexico Economic Development Department (NMEDD).
- The success of the Quantum Moonshot and Energized Watershed projects in the NSF Engines program signifies the potential for New Mexico to become a leading hub for quantum technologies, bridging the gap between laboratory research and the commercial sector, thus contributing to the state's growing reputation in science and technology.
