The Quantum Revolution in Boulder
The Denver-Boulder metro area is a hub for the quantum industry. The Chamber estimates that 54+ quantum companies operate in the region supporting 1,500 jobs. Careers in quantum computing are projected to grow by 16% over the next five years (2023-2028).
In this section...
Bi-Annual Feature
Colorado: A Quantum State
JANUARY | 2025
Elevate Quantum is a Designated TechHub by the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration and boasts the largest regional consortium in America.
Quantum in Boulder
The quantum industry is deeply rooted in Boulder, dating back to the formation of the CU Boulder - NIST Joint Institute for Laboratory Astrophysics (now known as JILA) here in 1962. In the six decades since its founding, JILA has been at the forefront of advancements in quantum computing and technology, earning four Nobel Prizes along the way.
As of 2023, Boulder has*:
- 880 Physicists, 37 times the national average.
- 100 Computer and Information Research Scientists, 2 times the national average.
- 17,320 Computer and Mathematical Occupations, 3 times the national average.
- 430 Electrical Engineers, 2 times the national average.
- 610 Computer Hardware Engineers, 5 times the national average.
* Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics 2023
In addition to JILA, the city of Boulder is home to 30+ quantum companies:
Advantages for Quantum
Boulder offers many local advantages that make it a top location for quantum, including:
The ability to recruit and retain highly-educated talent.
The Boulder MSA is among the most highly educated cities in the nation with 63% of residents age 25+ having completed a bachelor's degree or higher (US average 35%).
Proximity to the University of Colorado Boulder.
CU-Boulder’s Physics department ranks among the top 15 in the nation. In addition to a world class physics department, CU-Boulder is home to the CUbit Quantum Initiative, a joint partnership between CU Boulder, the NIST Quantum Physics Division and Front Range companies.
Proximity to federally funded laboratories doing research in quantum.
Several of Boulder’s federally funded laboratories are engaged in research directly tied to quantum, include CASA, LASP, NCA, NIST and NOAA.
Strong entrepreneurial and innovative ecosystem.
Boulder ranks as one of the most entrepreneurial cities in the United States with talented individuals driving innovation in all industries, including quantum.
According to StartupBlink Boulder is the 58th best startup ecosystem in the world and 19th best in the nation.
Access to support and service companies in Boulder.
Quantum partners within the Boulder community support the advancement of the industry including Elevate Quantum and Colorado Photonics Industry Association the latter of which is headquartered in Boulder.
Quantum in Metro Denver
The Metro Denver region is set to be the largest Quantum Tech Hub in the nation. Elevate Quantum estimates 15,000 quantum industry jobs by 2030.
In May 2024, Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed HB24-1325 into law at the JILA Research Institute. The law is set to provide $74 million dollars for quantum tax credits that can unlock up to $70 million dollars in matching federal funding.
Two months later, in July 2024, the Economic Development Administration selected Elevate Quantum to receive $40.5 million as part of the Phase 2 Tech Hub Grant funding.
Survey data accumulated from the Boulder Chamber Economic Council points to an estimated 54+ quantum (and quantum adjacent) companies operating in the Boulder Area and along the U.S. 36 Corridor.
NOTE: The following map outlines company locations. Some of these companies are headquartered in other locations but are represented in Boulder offices or work stations.
University of Colorado Boulder
Quantum Workforce Roadmap
A guide aiming to train, prepare and inspire the public and next generation of quantum workers in Colorado and the Mountain West. Learn more.
CUbit
The CUbit Quantum Initiative partners with other CU departments, Boulder-area federal labs, and local quantum companies to coordinates quantum activities at CU Boulder. CUbits focus areas include:
- Quantum sensing and measurement
- Quantum computing and simulation
- Quantum networks and communications
CUbit fosters education and workforce development across all levels, from the graduate and PhD level, K-12 education, and support for educators shaping the next generation of quantum scientists.
Venture Partners at CU Boulder helps quantum researchers to transform discoveries into solutions, startups, and partnerships that tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges:
- Flari Tech Inc.
- Icarus Quantum Inc.
- Infleqtion
- LongPath Technologies Inc.
- Mesa Quantum Inc.
Quantum Scholars and Quantum Forge
The CU-Boulder physics department's Quantum Scholars Program provides undergraduate students with a unique opportunity to explore the quantum industry and connect with local quantum companies through tours, internships, and educational experiences.
The Quantum Forge program offers students "first-hand experience with quantum industry culture and practice" giving students experience in all aspects of the quantum industry, from programming/design to machining and fabrication.
